The Trump administration has moved to reclassify marijuana following a federal review, marking a significant shift in how the drug is treated under federal law.
On Thursday, April 23, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana.
The move follows a months-long review directed by President Trump in December 2025, which focused on whether cannabis should remain classified as a Schedule I drug.
Blanche said the change was aimed at improving medical access and research. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,” his statement read.
The White House also defended the decision, saying it was part of an ongoing policy process. A White House official said the administration is “continuing to expeditiously implement President Trump’s December executive order to increase medical marijuana research to close the gap between current medical marijuana use and medical knowledge.”
The proposal would shift marijuana from Schedule I, a category that includes drugs like heroin and LSD, to Schedule III, which covers substances such as ketamine and some prescription medications. The change would ease restrictions on research and allow broader medical use under federal oversight.
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Republican criticism grows over policy shift
The decision has triggered criticism from several Republican lawmakers, some of whom argue the move could weaken drug control efforts.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the reclassification, saying it does not address broader national concerns. “Reclassifying Marijuana does NOTHING to lower the cost of health insurance premiums,” she said, adding that the country is facing economic pressure and that policy focus should be elsewhere.
Other Republican lawmakers had previously raised concerns during the review process. In letters sent to the President in late 2025, more than 20 Republican senators and two dozen House members urged against the change, arguing it could increase drug exposure among young people.
Congressman Andy Harris also opposed the move, stating: “We don’t need rescheduling to do medical research on marijuana all we are doing is exposing more of our youth to an addictive drug.”
Despite the criticism, President Trump has defended the direction of the policy, arguing it is focused on medical use rather than recreational legalization. “It doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form,” he said during earlier remarks, adding that it does not endorse recreational use.
Industry reaction and regulatory impact
The proposed reclassification has already had an impact on the cannabis industry. Shares of major cannabis companies, including Canopy Growth and Tilray, rose following reports of the planned change.
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The shift is expected to make it easier for cannabis companies to access financial services, including loans and investment funding, which have been limited under strict federal classification. It may also reduce tax burdens currently imposed on cannabis businesses.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is expected to hold an administrative hearing on the proposal, according to individuals familiar with the process cited by the Washington Post. Meanwhile, Axios reported that the rescheduling decision could be finalized in the coming days.
Why this matters
The reclassification represents one of the most significant federal policy changes on cannabis in recent years, reshaping how marijuana is regulated at the national level. It could expand medical research and access while still keeping federal controls in place.
At the same time, the political backlash shows divisions within the Republican Party over drug policy, with concerns focused on public health, youth exposure, and regulatory boundaries.
If implemented, the change could reshape both the legal cannabis industry and the broader debate over federal drug enforcement in the United States.
