President Donald Trump says his administration will determine “over the next few weeks” whether to reclassify marijuana under federal law. The potential change, first initiated under the Biden administration, would move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. While the President expressed support for medical marijuana during his campaign, his latest comments indicate a more cautious approach as the administration continues to weigh input from various stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- Trump says a marijuana rescheduling decision could come within weeks.
- The proposal would move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
- White House has gathered agency input, but internal divisions remain.
- Cannabis industry donors and pro-Trump PACs are pressing for action.
- DEA’s new administrator has not listed rescheduling as a public priority, according to agency statements.
Trump Marijuana Rescheduling: Public Stance and Context
At a White House press conference focused mainly on crime in Washington, D.C., Trump described marijuana policy as “very complicated.” He acknowledged hearing positive reports about medical use, especially for pain management, but voiced concerns over recreational use.
This was his first public statement on the topic since taking office, despite backing marijuana rescheduling during his campaign. The timing has drawn attention because he previously aligned himself with industry-friendly reforms like banking access for cannabis companies. For readers new to the issue, we have an overview of federal cannabis laws that explains how rescheduling would fit into broader reform efforts.
Political and Financial Pressure on Rescheduling
Reports from CNN and The Wall Street Journal indicate that Trump recently told donors the administration “needs to look at” rescheduling.
Financial support has also played a role. Public campaign finance records show that a political committee backed by cannabis businesses donated $1 million to Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc. That network has released ads promoting what they call “commonsense reform” and specifically highlighting Trump marijuana rescheduling as a priority for his administration.
White House Process and Internal Debate
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has gathered input from multiple federal agencies on marijuana rescheduling, with those positions compiled into a report for internal review. According to multiple media reports citing unnamed sources, some advisors have expressed support for moving forward with the campaign promise, while others have raised concerns about potential legal and electoral impacts.
The differing perspectives highlight the ongoing challenge of turning campaign pledges into policy, particularly on an issue where public opinion, business interests, and moral considerations overlap.
What a Shift to Schedule III Means
Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug would not legalize it federally. However, it would allow cannabis companies to deduct normal business expenses, ending the IRS 280E tax restrictions that have been a major burden on the industry.
The change could also ease restrictions on medical research and improve banking access for cannabis businesses. Still, marijuana sales would remain regulated at the state level, and interstate commerce would continue to face federal barriers.
The DEA’s Role in Trump Marijuana Rescheduling
During his confirmation hearing, new DEA Administrator Terrence Cole said reviewing marijuana’s status would be among his priorities. However, in his first public list of agency goals, rescheduling was not specifically mentioned. Instead, Cole emphasized drug trafficking enforcement, fentanyl control, and cartel activity.
Former DEA officials have urged the administration to resolve the state-federal conflict over cannabis laws, warning that uncertainty creates challenges for law enforcement and the legal cannabis industry.
Public Opinion Trends
A recent poll conducted by a firm with ties to Trump found that a majority of Republican voters support some form of cannabis reform, including medical marijuana access and changes to federal classification. While legalization remains more controversial within the party, these numbers suggest there is political room for action on rescheduling.
Conclusion
Trump’s renewed comments have put marijuana rescheduling back in the national spotlight. Whether his administration ultimately moves cannabis to Schedule III will depend on how internal discussions, agency input, and political considerations develop in the coming weeks. For now, the president has set a clear timeline: a decision is expected within weeks. If Trump marijuana rescheduling happens, it would mark the most significant federal cannabis policy shift in decades, even if full legalization remains out of reach.
This article is based on publicly available legislative records, court filings, industry reports, and published research as of the publication date. Cannabis laws and regulations change frequently — verify current rules with your state’s regulatory agency.
