RM Trump expected to sign executive order reclassifying marijuana, easing restrictions on the drug
President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order this Thursday that will reschedule marijuana, lowering its classification and easing federal restrictions on the drug. However, this move will not result in full legalization, according to sources familiar with the matter and a senior White House official.
The order would shift marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug—defined by the DEA as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”—to a Schedule III drug, which the DEA characterizes as having “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” This reclassification could open up new avenues for research and medical use of marijuana.
Although the White House official cautioned that the timing of the signing could change, Trump himself hinted at the decision earlier this week. He told reporters in the Oval Office that he was strongly considering reclassification, noting that it would allow for more research, which is currently limited by its Schedule I status. “A lot of people want to see it—reclassification, because it leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify,” Trump said.
Just a year ago, Trump indicated that his return to the White House would signal a new era for marijuana, one where it would be easier for adults to access safe products and for states to pursue legalization. In his 2024 presidential campaign, he expressed support for changing federal marijuana policy, emphasizing the need for weed companies to access banking services and for universities to conduct research on the drug.
Trump also announced that he would vote for a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida and reiterated his plan as president to focus on research into the medical uses of marijuana, advocating for its rescheduling to a Schedule III drug.
Behind the scenes, the White House has spent much of 2025 evaluating how best to move forward with rescheduling marijuana. Trump and key officials, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, held a lengthy meeting in the Oval Office on December 9 to discuss the issue. While no immediate decision was made, the responses from affected agencies, compiled by the Domestic Policy Council, have been reviewed in preparation for the executive order.
