Donald Trump just made major change to weed laws in US
On Thursday, December 18, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana under federal law. The order shifts cannabis from its current status as a Schedule I drug, a category that includes substances like heroin.
Instead, marijuana would be moved to Schedule III, which includes drugs like ketamine. This classification acknowledges accepted medical uses and is distinct from full legalization, which remains a state-level decision.
The change aims to facilitate much broader medical research into the drug’s benefits and risks. It would also alter how marijuana is regulated and could significantly reduce the tax burden on the legal cannabis industry.
Trump stated the move would have a “tremendously positive impact,” particularly for patients in need. He emphasized, however, that this action is not an endorsement of recreational use.
The reclassification is not immediate and must still undergo a formal review process by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). If finalized, it would represent one of the most substantial shifts in federal drug policy in decades.
The move has faced criticism from some within Trump’s own party. A group of Republican lawmakers argued reclassification would send a harmful message to youth and exacerbate the nation’s addiction crisis.
Despite this opposition, the President moved forward, citing requests from people suffering from chronic pain. The potential change is seen as a step that could reshape the industry and unlock new investment and research funding.
