President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, allowing it to be used medically.
“This action has been requested by American patients suffering from extreme pain, incurable diseases, aggressive cancers, seizure disorders, neurological problems, and more, including numerous veterans with service-related injuries, and older Americans who live with chronic medical problems that severely degrade their quality of life,” President Trump said ahead of the signing.
He added that the order does not legalize marijuana for recreational use. “I want to emphasize that the order I am about to sign is not the legalization or does it legalize marijuana in any way, shape, or form — and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug – it has nothing to do with that,” Trump clarified.
According to the order: “It is the policy of my Administration to increase medical marijuana and CBD research to better inform patients and doctors. It is critical to close the gap between current medical marijuana and CBD use and medical knowledge of risks and benefits, including for specific populations and conditions.”
The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to expedite the rescheduling process and calls for HHS to develop research methods and models to “improve access to hemp-derived cannabinoid products in accordance with Federal law and to inform standards of care,” a White House fact sheet states.
Trump confirmed he was weighing the order in August, stating during a White House briefing that he was “looking at reclassification” of marijuana.
