Trump Justice Department Reclassifies Medical Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug: ‘Seems to Be the Best Answer’

In a significant policy shift, the Justice Department under former President Donald Trump announced plans to reclassify certain medical marijuana products, changing their classification from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move reflects a growing recognition of the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis, as the federal government has long categorised it alongside substances like heroin and fentanyl, which are deemed to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The decision follows an executive order signed by Trump in December 2025, which mandated the reclassification of medical marijuana and sought to facilitate access to CBD products. While this reclassification does not legalise marijuana at the federal level, it effectively eases restrictions on federally funded medical research and reduces the focus of federal law enforcement on cannabis-related issues.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s criminal defence attorney, revealed that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plans to hold a hearing in June to consider further reclassifying recreational cannabis, potentially moving it from Schedule I to Schedule II. “The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” Blanche stated. He emphasised that this change would allow for more robust research into the safety and efficacy of cannabis, paving the way for enhanced patient care.

Trump, who has maintained a teetotal lifestyle, expressed optimism about the reclassification during an unrelated event. He remarked that veterans and patients with chronic issues are hopeful about the wider availability of medical marijuana, stating, “Hopefully you don’t need it, but if you do need it, I hear it’s the best of all alternatives.”

Current legal frameworks allow for recreational marijuana use in 24 states, Washington D.C., and two U.S. territories, while 15 states have legalised medical marijuana. This change comes at a time when public support for cannabis is steadily increasing. A recent YouGov and The Economist poll revealed that 84% of Americans favour the legalisation of medical marijuana, and 59% support the legalisation of recreational cannabis.

Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, hailed the reclassification as “the most significant federal advancement in cannabis policy in over 50 years.” He noted that this decision acknowledges the medical potential of cannabis, which many Americans have long believed.

However, not all voices within the Republican Party support this initiative. For instance, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton has expressed concerns about the potency of modern cannabis strains, suggesting that this could lead to increased rates of psychosis and other social issues. He stated, “Arkansans don’t want more dangerous drugs obtained more easily,” portraying the reclassification as a regressive step.

Despite internal dissent, the move signals a broader shift in American attitudes towards cannabis, aligning with a trend toward more liberal drug policies across several states. The reclassification also aims to support ongoing research into the efficacy of cannabis in treating various mental health conditions, following Trump’s directive to expedite reviews of certain psychedelic drugs.

While the future of cannabis legislation remains uncertain, especially at the federal level, these recent developments indicate a potential for greater acceptance of cannabis within both medical frameworks and public opinion. As the DEA prepares for its upcoming hearing, the landscape of cannabis policy in the United States continues to evolve, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of the substance’s benefits and risks in contemporary society.