President Donald Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana to a less restrictive category, potentially opening the door to broader legal sales and medical research. The move would align federal law more closely with state-level legalization trends.
Key Facts:
- Trump discussed marijuana reclassification at a $1 million-a-plate fundraiser in New Jersey.
- Attendees included Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, who urged him to act.
- The change would move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law.
- Biden began the reclassification process but did not finalize it.
- Medical marijuana is legal in 40 states, with recreational use approved in 24 states and D.C.
The Rest of The Story:
At a high-dollar fundraiser earlier this month, President Trump reportedly expressed interest in reclassifying marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the event, said the discussion took place at Trump’s New Jersey golf club.
The event drew major figures from the cannabis industry, including Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. She pressed Trump to pursue a change that would also boost medical marijuana research.
Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, a category reserved for substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Reclassifying it to Schedule III would place it alongside drugs like anabolic steroids and certain prescription medications, making it easier to research, prescribe, and sell.
The Biden administration began steps toward the same reclassification but left office before completing the process. Multiple bipartisan bills in Congress have sought to lower marijuana’s classification or remove it from the controlled substances list entirely, but none have become law.
Today, a majority of states have already moved ahead on their own, with widespread legalization for medical use and nearly half approving recreational use.
REPORTER: "Will the administration reclassify Marijuana?"
TRUMP: "We're looking at it. They reported it early. Some people like it, some people hate it. We'll make a determination over the next few weeks. Very complicated subject. I've heard great things for medical, and bad… pic.twitter.com/GpsodxBE18
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) August 11, 2025
Commentary:
Given the legal landscape, the idea of reclassifying marijuana at the federal level seems overdue. With 40 states permitting medical use and almost half allowing recreational sales, Washington’s current stance is far out of step with the majority of the country.
The Schedule I classification has long been a barrier to research, banking access for cannabis businesses, and consistent legal enforcement. Changing it to Schedule III would lower those hurdles and provide the clarity both businesses and consumers have been waiting for.
While critics may raise concerns about public health, it’s worth noting that state-level legalization has not led to the societal collapse opponents once predicted. Instead, it has generated tax revenue, created jobs, and reduced strain on the criminal justice system.
If Trump follows through, it could represent a rare moment of federal alignment with state policy trends. It would also remove a major point of conflict between law enforcement agencies at different levels.
This isn’t about endorsing marijuana use—it’s about modernizing outdated policy. Decades-old restrictions have prevented doctors and scientists from fully studying its benefits and risks. Federal reclassification could finally allow science, not politics, to guide the discussion.
Such a move could also shift the political landscape. Supporting a change backed by a majority of states and voters could appeal to both younger voters and libertarian-leaning conservatives.
The political timing is worth noting. As the cannabis industry invests heavily in campaigns and advocacy, reclassification would not only signal responsiveness to donor interests but also show leadership on a divisive issue.
If Washington truly wants to respect state decision-making and personal freedom, updating federal marijuana policy is a logical next step.
The Bottom Line:
President Trump’s potential push to reclassify marijuana would bring federal policy more in line with state laws and public opinion. Moving marijuana to Schedule III could expand research, open financial channels for businesses, and reduce legal conflicts.
With the majority of states already embracing legalization in some form, this decision could be a pivotal step toward a coherent national policy. Whether Trump moves forward will determine if this remains a campaign talking point or becomes a lasting change.
