Trump Administration Examining Possibility of Cannabis Rescheduling

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The Trump Administration is reportedly looking into the reclassification of cannabis, offering a timeline for a decision on the possible change.

An August 8, 2025, article in the Wall Street Journal stated that President Donald Trump had shown interest in the reclassification of cannabis (1). Then, in an August 11, 2025 press conference, President Trump addressed the subject in a response to a question concerning the message behind the potential reclassification of cannabis (2): “There's reporting that the administration is going to reclassify marijuana,” the question began, as shown in a video clip from C-SPAN. “Would that send mixed messages that if marijuana is OK, some drugs are OK, but we're trying to clean up crime. How do they go hand in hand?”

“We're only looking at that,” Trump responded. “That's early, but you know, somebody reported it, which is fine. We're looking at it. Some people like it, some people hate it. Some people hate the whole concept of marijuana because if it does bad for the children, it does bad for people that are older than children. But we're looking at reclassification and we'll make a determination over the next, I would say, over the next few weeks and that determination hopefully will be the right one. It's very complicated subject, you know, the subject of marijuana. I've heard great things having to do with medical and I've had bad things having to do with just about everything else but medical, and you know, for pain and various things I've heard some pretty good things. But for other things I've heard some pretty bad things.”

In a statement to Cannabis Science and Technology, Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting, explained the potential impacts and considerations for the rescheduling of cannabis. “The President’s statement marks the clearest indication yet that cannabis rescheduling is a real possibility, though administrative and practical hurdles remain,” Anzarut stated. “Even at Schedule III, cannabis will remain a controlled substance, with interstate commerce restrictions, state program conflicts, and FDA/DEA oversight still in play. The most immediate benefit to the industry would be the elimination of 280E, providing licensed businesses with critical tax relief.”

Anzarut also explained the how operators can proactively prepare for the reclassification of cannabis. “Over the long term, the operators best positioned to succeed will be those already meeting cGMP level standards, maintaining certifications, properly qualifying suppliers, ensuring full OSHA compliance, implementing CAPA plans, and following rigorous labeling practices,” she added. “These systems, amongst others, will form the foundation for success within an expanded federal framework. For those still operating to ‘state minimums,’ the time to act is now. Investing in higher standards today will cost far less than scrambling to catch up once regulations change.” Anzarut’s latest blog installment further explains how operators can prepare for new compliance expectations as federal reform becomes more pertinent.

Other industry stakeholders offered analysis on the update as well. In an August 11 LinkedIn post, the US Cannabis Roundtable (USCR) commented on the anticipated timeline of a decision (3). “This is the first time we’ve had a clear timeline for action,” the post stated. “The President supported this move last year, and today’s announcement demonstrates that it is under serious consideration.”

“Reclassification would remove outdated restrictions on research, open the door to new treatment options for veterans and patients living with chronic conditions, and strengthen public health with science-driven policy,” the post continued. “Just as important, it can be implemented while maintaining all existing safeguards that protect children and young people.”

Formed in January 2025 as a combination of the National Cannabis Roundtable and the US Cannabis Council, the top priorities of the USCR include rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, passing states’ rights legislation that allows each state to make its own decision on cannabis policy, and enacting cannabis Banking Legislation such as the SAFE/SAFER Banking Act (4).

Directly related to the rescheduling of cannabis is the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In a July 25 press release, the DEA announced the appointment of Terrance “Terry” C. Cole as the new Administrator as of July 23 (5). In the press release, Cole listed his priorities, focusing mostly on combatting drug cartels and the drug crisis in the US. The top eight priorities listed did not concern cannabis specifically.

References

1. Dawsey, J. Trump Weighs Reclassifying Marijuana as Less Dangerous Drug https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-marijuana-federal-drug-classification-01a73b8c?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1 (accessed Aug 12, 2025).
2. C-SPAN. President Trump Announces Expanded Federal Role for Security and Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C. https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-announces-expanded-federal-role-for-security-and-law-enforcement-in-washington-dc/664010, clip begins at 48:15, (accessed Aug 12, 2025).
3. US Cannabis Roundtable. Today, President Trump announced that a decision on reclassifying medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III will come within weeks. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cannabis-roundtable_trump-cannabisreform-policyreform-activity-7360778944544972802-_HOx/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA2rKp4BbQM1DcnoHwYUCBrjxpC4NAZsRzE (accessed Aug 12, 2025).
4. McEvoy, E. New Organization, the US Cannabis Roundtable, Formed to Present United Voice of the Cannabis Industry https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/new-organization-the-us-cannabis-roundtable-formed-to-present-united-voice-of-the-cannabis-industry (accessed Aug 12, 2025).
5. McEvoy, E. Terrance Cole is New Administrator for US Drug Enforcement Administration https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/us-drug-enforcement-administration-appoints-terrance-cole-as-new-administrator (accessed Aug 12, 2025).