Disruption

How reclassifying marijuana will affect states

About half allow adults to possess and use small amounts for recreational use.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday urging federal regulators to complete the process of classifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that would deliver major tax relief to licensed pot businesses and could spur medical research — but would have little impact on state rules and regulations. 

Trump wants federal agency officials to wrap up rulemaking needed to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a process begun under the Biden administration. Rescheduling would classify psychoactive cannabis as a substance with accepted medical use and low to moderate addiction potential, akin to prescription drugs such as ketamine. 

Stay informed
Subscribe to keep reading.

Sign up today to get the latest state new at your fingertips and in your inbox.