Trump administration reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III substance
April 23 (UPI) -- The Trump administration is seeking to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous substance on Thursday, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III.
The Justice Department announced that it is immediately seeking to reschedule FDA-approved cannabis products, including state-licensed medical marijuana, to Schedule III. It also announced the Drug Enforcement Administration will hold a June 29 hearing to consider reclassifying cannabis.
"These actions will enable more targeted, rigorous research into marijuana's safety and efficacy, expanding patients' access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions," acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a post on social media.
Reclassification of medical marijuana as a less dangerous substance would eliminate legal challenges for researchers studying its uses, making it easier to obtain approval to conduct research.
Other Schedule I drugs, which include heroin and LSD, are considered to have no medical use. Schedule III drugs, including Tylenol with codeine and testosterone, have federally accepted medical uses.
In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling on agency officials to reschedule cannabis for the purpose of expanding research. He clarified that he is not lifting the federal ban on marijuana.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:10 AM.