Trump expands get admission to to hashish in a significant shift in drug coverage – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefDecember 19, 20256 Mins read33
Trump Expands Access to Hashish in a Significant Shift in Drug Policy
Introduction
In a landmark move that signals a potential turning point in United States drug regulation, former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to cannabis. This decision represents one of the most significant shifts in federal drug policy in decades, moving the substance from the strictest category of controlled substances to a less restrictive class. By directing the U.S. Attorney General to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, the administration seeks to facilitate medical research and acknowledge the plant’s therapeutic potential. While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use at the federal level, this reclassification promises to reshape the landscape for medical patients, researchers, and the burgeoning cannabis industry.
Key Points
- Rescheduling Directive: President Trump has ordered the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I (high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use) to Schedule III (moderate to low potential for abuse, accepted medical use with supervision).
- Medical Focus: The primary goal is to unlock expanded scientific research into the medical benefits of cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, and seizure disorders.
- Industry Impact: Moving to Schedule III would allow state-licensed cannabis dispensaries to access standard business tax deductions previously denied under IRS code 280E, which applies to Schedule I substances.
- CBD Expansion: The order also tasks White House officials with working with Congress to broaden access to Cannabidiol (CBD) products and develop strategies to evaluate their health benefits.
- Political Divide: The move has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers who argue it normalizes drug use and lacks sufficient scientific backing, despite majority public support for legalization.
Background
To understand the magnitude of this executive order, one must look at the historical context of cannabis regulation in the United States. Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1971, marijuana has been strictly classified as a Schedule I drug. This category is reserved for substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. This classification placed cannabis in the same legal category as heroin, creating significant barriers to research and strict legal penalties for possession.
The Conflict Between State and Federal Law
Over the last two decades, a stark divergence has emerged between federal policy and state laws. As of 2025, a majority of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, and nearly half (24 states) have fully legalized recreational use for adults. Despite this widespread state-level acceptance, the federal Schedule I status has created a “legal gray area,” particularly regarding banking, interstate commerce, and tax liabilities. Businesses operating legally under state law have been denied access to standard banking services and forced to pay exorbitant federal taxes because they cannot deduct standard business expenses.
Previous Administration Efforts
The path to reclassification has been paved by shifting political winds. The Biden Administration initiated a formal review of cannabis scheduling, acknowledging the disparity between federal classification and scientific understanding. In April 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed a rule change to move cannabis to Schedule III. However, this process was stalled due to administrative hurdles and legal challenges. The Trump administration’s executive order appears to be a decisive move to bypass these bureaucratic logjams and implement the change directly.
Analysis
The reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III is not merely a symbolic gesture; it carries profound legal, medical, and economic consequences. By shifting the drug to a category that includes substances like Tylenol with codeine and ketamine, the federal government is formally acknowledging that cannabis has recognized medical utility and a lower potential for dependency than previously thought.
Unlocking Medical Research
The most significant outcome of this policy shift is the potential for scientific advancement. Under Schedule I, researchers face rigorous, often prohibitive, hurdles to obtain approval for studies. Moving to Schedule III significantly lowers these barriers. This will likely lead to a surge in clinical trials exploring cannabis’s efficacy in treating chronic pain, PTSD in veterans, epilepsy, and the side effects of chemotherapy. The executive order explicitly mentions “incurable pain” and veterans with service-related injuries as key beneficiaries of this change.
Economic Implications for the Cannabis Industry
For the legal cannabis industry, Schedule III status is a financial lifeline. Currently, Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits businesses trafficking in Schedule I or II controlled substances from deducting standard business expenses (such as rent, payroll, and marketing) from their gross income. This results in effective tax rates often exceeding 70%. Rescheduling to Schedule III removes these businesses from the purview of 280E, allowing them to be taxed like any other legitimate enterprise. This could stabilize the industry, reduce consumer prices, and encourage new investment.
Political and Social Controversy
Despite the potential benefits, the order has faced resistance. A group of 22 Republican Senators sent an open letter to the President, arguing that facilitating the marijuana industry contradicts goals of economic revitalization and healthy living. Their concerns center on public health, citing studies suggesting links between cannabis use and impaired judgment or loss of focus. Furthermore, a letter from nine Republican representatives to Attorney General Pam Bondi argued that there is “no adequate science or data” to support the trade, warning that rescheduling could signal to children that marijuana is safe. This highlights the ongoing cultural debate surrounding drug policy, balancing individual medical needs against public health concerns.
Practical Advice
For individuals and businesses navigating this changing landscape, understanding the specific impacts of the executive order is crucial. While the order sets the process in motion, implementation will take time.
For Medical Patients
Patients currently using cannabis for medical reasons should monitor the rollout of the new classification. While the executive order directs the reclassification, the actual administrative process involves rulemaking by the DEA and the Department of Justice. Patients should continue to follow their state’s medical marijuana program guidelines. However, the federal shift may eventually lead to improved insurance coverage for prescribed cannabis medications and easier access through pharmacies.
For Cannabis Businesses
Business owners in the cannabis sector should prepare for a significant change in tax liability. It is advisable to consult with tax professionals to understand how the shift to Schedule III will affect future filings. While 280E restrictions will eventually lift, businesses must remain compliant with state regulations. Additionally, the order encourages federal agencies to work with Congress on CBD access; businesses specializing in hemp-derived CBD products should watch for potential regulatory clarifications that could expand market opportunities.
For Researchers
Academic and private researchers should review the new DEA application protocols that will inevitably follow this executive order. The reduction in bureaucratic red tape means that grant applications and research proposals involving cannabis will likely face less scrutiny regarding the substance’s federal status. Institutions may now feel more confident investing in cannabis research infrastructure.
FAQ
Is cannabis now legal for recreational use under federal law?
No. The executive order reclassifies cannabis to Schedule III, but it does not legalize recreational use. Cannabis remains a controlled substance. However, this move reduces federal enforcement priority for medical use and acknowledges its medical value, which is a step toward broader reform.
What is the difference between Schedule I and Schedule III?
Schedule I drugs are defined as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD). Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and have accepted medical uses (e.g., ketamine, anabolic steroids, Tylenol with codeine).
Will this order lower the cost of medical cannabis?
It is likely to have a downward pressure on prices over time. By removing the punitive tax restrictions of Section 280E, businesses can operate more efficiently and may pass those savings on to consumers. Additionally, increased competition from expanded research and potential pharmaceutical involvement could lower costs.
Does this affect CBD products?
Yes. The executive order explicitly directs officials to work with Congress to allow broader access to Cannabidiol (CBD) and to develop strategies to evaluate its real-world health benefits. This suggests a move toward a more regulated and accessible CBD market.
When does this change take effect?
Executive orders set policy direction, but the administrative rulemaking process takes time. The Department of Justice and the DEA must formally publish the new rule and allow for a public comment period before the rescheduling is legally binding. This process could take several months to a year.
Conclusion
The executive order signed by President Trump to expand access to cannabis by moving it to Schedule III marks a historic pivot in American drug policy. By prioritizing medical research, offering economic relief to the cannabis industry, and acknowledging the therapeutic value of the plant, the administration is aligning federal policy with the reality of state laws and public opinion. While political opposition remains and the logistical implementation is just beginning, this decision lays the groundwork for a future where cannabis is treated as a legitimate medical substance rather than a prohibited narcotic. As the regulatory machinery turns, patients, researchers, and businesses across the nation await the tangible effects of this “common sense” shift.
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