What's happened
As of August 18, 2025, former President Donald Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, a move that would ease federal restrictions, enable tax deductions for marijuana businesses, and expand medical research. This follows a Biden-era proposal and recent discussions with industry leaders at a high-profile fundraiser.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Economic Implications
Trump's consideration to reclassify marijuana reflects a pragmatic shift influenced by political, economic, and social factors. The move would:
- Benefit the marijuana industry by allowing tax deductions currently unavailable under Schedule I classification, potentially boosting profits and legitimizing the sector.
- Facilitate medical research by easing restrictions on clinical studies, addressing a long-standing barrier under Schedule I.
- Appeal to a broad voter base, including working-class and younger voters, as marijuana use becomes culturally normalized.
Opposition and Challenges
Despite potential benefits, resistance remains strong among conservative groups and law enforcement, concerned about public health, youth exposure, and crime. Critics highlight increased public intoxication and property crimes in states with legalization.
Strategic Timing and Political Calculus
Trump's engagement with marijuana reform at a $1 million-a-plate fundraiser, attended by major industry figures, signals a calculated political and financial strategy. Aligning with the marijuana lobby could secure campaign funding and expand his base ahead of midterm elections.
Forecast
Reclassification to Schedule III is likely to proceed as a compromise, stopping short of full legalization but significantly altering federal regulation. This will reshape the marijuana market, increase federal tax revenues, and intensify debates on drug policy and public safety. The decision will influence the GOP's stance on drug reform and could redefine political alliances.
What the papers say
Miranda Devine of the NY Post highlights Trump's personal abstinence from substances, noting his late brother's struggles with alcoholism, framing Trump's stance as cautious yet open to reform. Charles Gasparino (NY Post) reports Trump is "in a compromising mood," ready to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III, emphasizing political and business motivations, including expanding Trump's voter base and campaign support from the marijuana industry. The Independent provides a detailed overview of the bureaucratic process and legal implications, noting that reclassification would ease tax burdens and research restrictions but not legalize recreational use federally. Al Jazeera captures Trump's ambivalence, quoting him saying, "It's a very complicated subject," and noting the stock market's positive reaction to his remarks. The Guardian adds historical context, recalling Trump's earlier skepticism about marijuana's cognitive effects and ties to controversial donors seeking favors through marijuana business ventures. Rich Calder (NY Post) and AP News confirm the fundraiser discussions and Trump's ongoing policy considerations. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's opposition, as reported by The Independent, illustrates internal GOP resistance, concerned about public spaces and youth exposure. Together, these sources reveal a complex interplay of political strategy, economic interests, and social concerns shaping the evolving marijuana policy debate under Trump.
How we got here
Marijuana remains federally classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, indicating high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Over 24 states have legalized recreational or medical marijuana, creating tension between state and federal laws. The Biden administration proposed reclassification to Schedule III, but no action was taken before Trump succeeded Biden in January 2025.
Go deeper
- What would reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III mean legally?
- How could this decision impact the marijuana industry and taxes?
- What are the main arguments for and against marijuana reclassification?
Common question
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What Does Reclassifying Marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III Mean?
Recently, former President Trump has shown interest in reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This potential change could significantly impact medical research, legalization efforts, and the marijuana industry as a whole. But what does this reclassification really mean, and how could it affect you? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this policy shift and what it might mean for the future of marijuana laws in the US.
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Will Trump Reclassify Marijuana and What Does It Mean?
As of August 17, 2025, former President Donald Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. This potential change could significantly impact federal restrictions, medical research, and the cannabis industry. Many are wondering what this move entails, how it might affect drug laws, and what the political implications are. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Trump's stance on marijuana and the broader legal battles over drug classification and federal control in D.C.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis; C. ruderalis may be included within C. sativa