Marijuana Less Dangerous? The High And Low Points Of Trump’s Cannabis Policy Change

Last Updated:April 24, 2026, 14:38 IST

Trump administration has reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Is it a tax break for the 'Big Weed'? News18 explains

The Trump administration on April 23 officially reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. While this does not make marijuana federally legal for recreational use, it marks the most significant shift in U.S. cannabis policy in over 50 years.

What does this mean? News18 explains.

What does the reclassification of marijuana mean?

The decision to move marijuana to Schedule III — the same category as anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine — means:

• The federal government now acknowledges that marijuana has “currently accepted medical use" with a moderate to low potential for dependence.
• It eases major barriers for scientists, allowing for broader clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of cannabis for various conditions.
• Eliminates the “280E" tax burden, allowing state-licensed medical marijuana businesses to claim federal tax deductions previously denied to Schedule I traffickers.
• It may encourage banks to be less wary of offering services to medical cannabis businesses, according to Al Jazeera and other reports.

What the reclassification does not do

Marijuana remains federally regulated; recreational use and interstate trafficking of non-medical marijuana are still subject to federal law.

The reclassification specifically applies to state-licensed medical marijuana programs. Products outside these programs remain in Schedule I.

Individual states still maintain the right to ban marijuana entirely or keep their own stricter regulations, according to Al Jazeera and other reports.

How was it implemented?

The process was finalised through an executive order and Department of Justice action.

While the medical reclassification was expedited, a broader reclassification for all marijuana is undergoing a formal rulemaking process, including hearings set to begin in late June 2026.

Officials stated the move delivers on a promise to expand medical treatment options and align federal policy with the reality in the 40 states that already have medical marijuana systems, said reports.

Viewpoints

Trade groups like the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp called it a historic advancement that treats cannabis as medicine.

Opponents, such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana, argue the move sends a confusing message about the drug’s harms and serves as a “tax break to Big Weed".

KEY FAQs

What is the key policy shift?

Donald Trump backs easing federal curbs, including reclassifying marijuana and letting states decide.

Why is it seen as “less dangerous"?

Reviews by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services say it has medical use and lower abuse risk than top-tier drugs.

What’s the upside vs concern?

Upside: Research, industry growth, fewer penalties.

Concern: Health risks, uneven laws, no full legal clarity.

With AP, agency inputs

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