In a major change to U.S. drug policy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This move marks the most significant federal shift on cannabis in decades.
Under the old system, marijuana sat in Schedule I - the most restrictive category, alongside heroin and LSD - defined as having “no currently accepted medical use” and a high potential for abuse. Moving cannabis to Schedule III acknowledges legitimate medical uses and places it in the same category as drugs with moderate to low dependence potential.
Why This Matters
While this reclassification does not legalize recreational marijuana at the federal level, it could have wide-ranging effects:
- Medical Research: Federal barriers that historically limited research on cannabis will loosen, enabling scientists to study therapeutic uses more easily.
- Tax and Banking Relief: Cannabis businesses may see tax benefits and better access to financial services that were previously restricted under federal law.
- State vs. Federal Dynamics: The policy still leaves a patchwork of state laws intact — states that have legalized medical and recreational use will continue under their own systems.
Supporters see this as an overdue modernization reflecting scientific evidence on the plant, while critics note that the move stops short of full legalization.
What Cannabis Professionals Should Know
As federal regulation shifts, cannabis businesses and handlers must stay informed on training, compliance, and safety standards. Understanding evolving federal guidelines is essential for running a successful operation and ensuring quality control in all aspects of cannabis handling.
That’s where comprehensive training comes in. If you work in the cannabis industry or are planning to, consider enrolling in our Cannabis Handler Training Course, CHC CannabisHandlerClasses.com. Our program equips you with the knowledge you need to meet regulatory expectations, handle products safely, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.