Background on Marijuana’s Current Federal Classification
Currently, at the federal level, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance (1), placing it in the same category as drugs like heroin and LSD. The U.S. government considers these substances to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Trump’s Statement on Potential Reclassification
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his administration is considering easing federal restrictions on marijuana by reclassifying it as a less dangerous drug.
“We’re looking into it,” Trump told reporters when asked if there were discussions about an executive order on the topic.
“A lot of people want to see reclassification because it would allow for a lot of research that can’t be done unless it’s reclassified, so we’re taking it very seriously,” he added.
Current State of Marijuana Legality
Despite the federal classification, numerous U.S. states have legal medical marijuana programs, and many have also approved recreational use.
Proposed Reclassification to Schedule III
According to a recent Washington Post report, Trump aims to push for reclassification to Schedule III, which includes substances with medical value and lower abuse potential.
This category comprises substances like ketamine and anabolic steroids.
Implications of Reclassification
Reclassification does not equate to legalization or decriminalization, but it could have ripple effects such as reducing barriers for conducting research and significantly impacting the tax implications for businesses legally cultivating and selling cannabis.
Process of Reclassification
The U.S. president cannot unilaterally reclassify a drug. It is anticipated that Trump will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to proceed with the reclassification.
The administration of Democrat Joe Biden had previously attempted reclassification, but their efforts stalled and were not completed before Trump took office in early 2017.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current federal classification of marijuana? Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance, placing it alongside drugs like heroin and LSD.
- What does Trump propose regarding marijuana’s classification? Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, potentially moving it to Schedule III.
- What are the implications of reclassification? Reclassification could facilitate medical research, reduce barriers for studies, and have significant tax implications for legal cannabis businesses.
- How would the reclassification process work? The U.S. president cannot unilaterally reclassify a drug. Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing federal agencies to reclassify marijuana.
- What was the status of marijuana reclassification under the Biden administration? The Biden administration attempted to reclassify marijuana, but their efforts were not completed before Trump took office in 2017.
