Trump signs executive order that would reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug

"Reclassification by the Drug Enforcement Administration would not make it legal for recreational use by adults nationwide, but it could change how the drug is regulated and reduce a hefty tax burden on the cannabis industry. The Republican president said he had received a deluge of phone calls supporting the move and its potential to help patients. "We have people begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain," he said."

"Similarly, the Justice Department under Trump's Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, proposed reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance. Unlike Biden, Trump did not have open encouragement from across his party for the move. Some Republicans have spoken out in opposition to any changes and urged Trump to maintain current standards. Such a switch typically requires an arduous process, including a public comment period that has drawn tens of thousands of reactions from across the U.S."

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that could reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, potentially opening new avenues for medical research and changing federal regulation. Reclassification would not legalize recreational use nationwide but could alter regulation and reduce tax burdens on the cannabis industry. Trump cited patient calls urging the move. The Justice Department under President Biden had proposed similar reclassification, while some Republicans oppose changing current standards. The DEA review process includes a public comment period with tens of thousands of reactions; the order is expected to accelerate that review. Many states already allow medical or recreational use.

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