(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order that reclassified marijuana, potentially reshaping life for millions of Americans.
The order reclassifies marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug law. That puts marijuana in the same category as prescription pain medications and other substances that have a recognized medical use with lower potential for addiction.
The change will also make it easier for scientists to study marijuana, documenting potential medical benefits as well as any side effects or harms that could be caused by the drug.
The reclassification is focused on medical uses of marijuana and research, not recreational use.
“I want to emphasize that the order I’m about to sign is not the legalization or doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form. And in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug,” Trump said.
What do drug schedules mean?
Schedule I is the Drug Enforcement Administration’s most restricted category and applies to substances with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” These include drugs such as heroin, LSD, ecstasy and currently marijuana.
Schedule III substances have “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence” and include drugs such as Tylenol with codeine, testosterone, anabolic steroids and ketamine.
What would change, and what wouldn’t?
The executive order puts marijuana in the same class as some prescription pain medications, though it would remain illegal for recreational use at the federal level. The change would still require the DEA’s formal rulemaking process.
Reclassification could make marijuana easier to research and study. Legal cannabis businesses could also see relief from harsh federal tax rules and improved access to banking.
“Because a lot of people want to see the reclassification, because it leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify. So we are looking at that very strongly,” Trump told reporters Tuesday.
More Americans support legalizing marijuana: Poll
The executive order also points to the drug’s current classification’s effect on the ability of scientists to research the safety and efficacy of marijuana.
Supporters argue reclassification could accelerate medical studies, including potential pilots that test the effects of cannabis and CBD on older adults.
A Gallup survey shows 64% of Americans support legal marijuana, up from 36% two decades ago.
Opponents, however, warn the move could send mixed messages during an addiction crisis and could raise concerns about health risks and increased youth access.
Attention now turns to the exact language of the order. The DEA’s timeline and rulemaking process will determine how quickly — or slowly — any potential changes take effect.
