Trump hints at marijuana change. Here's what nearly happened before

President Trump's Potential Marijuana Reclassification: What You Need to Know

President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of reclassifying marijuana, but this doesn't mean the process will be quick or straightforward. The potential shift in classification could have significant implications for research, regulation, and public perception.

Why Reclassification Matters

Reclassification is not a simple switch that can be flipped overnight. It involves a complex and lengthy process that can take weeks or even months to complete. This is because the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must follow specific legal procedures and consider extensive scientific and medical evidence before making any changes.

Trump recently mentioned during a press conference that he is seriously considering an executive order that would reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. He noted that many people support this move because it would allow for more research into the drug’s potential benefits and risks.

Despite these statements, there is still uncertainty about whether the reclassification will happen soon. Multiple reports suggested it might occur later this week, but no official confirmation has been made yet.

A History of Reclassification Efforts

Trump wouldn’t be the first president to attempt this kind of change. Former President Joe Biden also pursued the reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule III drug. In October 2022, Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DEA to review marijuana’s current status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, after nearly a year of evaluation, HHS recommended in August 2023 that marijuana should be reclassified as a Schedule III drug, citing advancements in scientific and medical understanding of the plant.

In April 2024, the Associated Press reported that the DEA was preparing to move forward with the reclassification. This effort sparked a wave of public interest, with over 40,000 comments submitted during the following two months. Many individuals and organizations requested hearings to discuss the proposed changes.

Public Response and Legal Challenges

The DEA announced a hearing on the new scheduling plan in August 2024, which was set to take place in December 2024. The deadline for requests to participate was September 2024. More than 20 participants were selected, including scientists, lawyers, doctors, and both supporters and opponents of marijuana legalization.

However, the process faced legal challenges. In November 2024, two groups, Hemp for Victory (HVF) and Village Farms International, filed a motion to remove the DEA from its role in the rescheduling process. DEA administrative law Judge John Mulrooney denied the motion, but the case continued to face delays due to appeals.

The hearing, originally scheduled for January 2025, was postponed, and proceedings were suspended while the appeal was being considered. Since then, the case has remained stalled, especially after President Trump took office.

What’s Next for Marijuana Under Trump?

Multiple reports suggest that Trump is likely to sign an executive order to reclassify marijuana. However, the exact details of what the order will include remain unclear. According to the White House, no final decisions have been made regarding the reclassification.

Some prominent figures within the Republican Party have expressed reservations about the potential reclassification. They argue that loosening restrictions on marijuana could lead to broader issues, such as increased drug use or regulatory challenges.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of now, the reclassification process remains in limbo. While there is growing support for the idea, the legal and political hurdles are significant. The outcome of any potential reclassification will depend on the balance between scientific evidence, public opinion, and political will.

Former President Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Nov. 21, 2023. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration search homes in Commerce City, Colo., on Jan. 31, 2019. Photo: RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images