Is Trump moving to allow recreational use of marijuana? 

December 13, 2025

US President Donald Trump is expected to order federal agencies to begin reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug, a move that would significantly reduce federal restrictions on cannabis without fully legalising it. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that the executive order could come as early as next week. While the White House has not confirmed the decision, officials cited in the report said the move is almost certain.

Marijuana has been listed as a Schedule I substance under federal law since 1970. This category includes heroin and LSD and is defined as covering drugs with a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. Despite that classification, a growing number of US states have legalised cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes, creating a sharp disconnect between federal rules and state laws.

Reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III would group it with substances such as ketamine, anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine. These drugs are regulated but recognised as having legitimate medical uses and lower abuse risks than Schedule I substances. According to the Washington Post, Trump has indicated he wants to reduce the level of federal oversight applied to cannabis so that it aligns with other Schedule III drugs. He reportedly discussed the proposal with House Speaker Mike Johnson in an Oval Office phone call on Wednesday.

If issued, the executive order would instruct several federal agencies to begin the rescheduling process. This involves scientific review, regulatory analysis and formal rulemaking. The proposal would not legalise marijuana at the federal level. It would, however, lower barriers for scientific research and offer tax and banking relief to businesses operating legally under state laws. Under current rules, cannabis companies face punitive federal tax provisions because their product remains a Schedule I substance.

Trump has publicly acknowledged interest in reclassification. In August, he said he was examining the issue and recognised the divided public debate surrounding it. The Biden administration had also studied possible changes, but no formal move was made. According to the Washington Post, Trump held a meeting on Wednesday with marijuana industry executives, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief Mehmet Oz.

During Trump’s call with Johnson, the Speaker reportedly voiced scepticism and cited studies opposing the move. Trump then passed the phone to industry representatives in the room, who argued in favour of reclassification. People familiar with the exchange told the newspaper that Trump appeared more inclined to act after hearing their views, although the plan is not final and could still change. A White House official said no definitive decision has been taken. The Department of Health and Human Services referred inquiries to the White House, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services did not provide a response. Johnson’s office declined to comment.

Under federal law, marijuana continues to be treated as a Schedule I drug. Moving it to Schedule III would represent the most significant federal shift on cannabis policy in more than fifty years. Support for change spans political lines, with advocates pointing to recognised medical applications, strong consumer demand and the rapid growth of legal cannabis markets. The industry is now valued in billions across the country, with dozens of states allowing medical use and 24 states permitting recreational use.