A Historic Shift: US Reclassifies Cannabis to Schedule III

Thu Apr 23 2026 16:33:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The United States has officially changed the classification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, marking a significant shift in drug policy under the Trump administration.

The US Department of Justice has reclassified cannabis as less dangerous, allowing for increased access and research into its medical uses. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made the announcement, which moves marijuana from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug. Although federal prohibition remains, this change reflects evolving attitudes towards cannabis and may pave the way for more comprehensive legalization efforts.

The US Department of Justice has officially reclassified cannabis as less dangerous, marking a major shift in the country's drug policy.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on Thursday that products containing marijuana, covered by the Food and Drug Administration or licensed for medical use, will transition from a Schedule I narcotic to a Schedule III drug, which aligns it with Tylenol with codeine.

Additionally, Blanche has called for a hearing to consider a broader reclassification of all marijuana forms.

President Donald Trump directed his administration to commence the reclassification process last year, aiming to enhance access and promote research on cannabis.

Despite this change, marijuana continues to be illegal at the federal level; however, most US states have legalized its medical or recreational use, leading to numerous legal avenues for purchase.

The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump's promise to expand Americans' access to medical treatment options, Blanche stated. This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.

Blanche's directive also includes holding a hearing in June as part of the process to reclassify marijuana thoroughly.

Once the rule change is published in the Federal Register, it will take effect in 30 days, during which it may be legally challenged, potentially delaying implementation.

The change comes shortly after Trump signed an executive order aimed at improving access to psychedelic drugs for medical treatment.

Since its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1970, marijuana has been deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

The evolving legal landscape reflects changes initiated by state laws, with places like California pioneering medical use, resulting in varied regulations and enforcement that complicate the operational landscape for marijuana businesses.

The Biden administration has reviewed marijuana's classification since 2022, with the health department recently recommending a change for the first time. The Drug Enforcement Administration initiated hearings in 2024, yet these were postponed.

According to Morgan Fox from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Trump's reclassification is largely symbolic, yet it opens avenues for serious policy discussions. He emphasized the need to de-schedule cannabis at the federal level to drive major regulatory changes and uniformity in laws surrounding cannabis use.

Public sentiment favors the legalization of cannabis, with over two-thirds of Americans supporting full legalization, indicating a broad acceptance of marijuana's therapeutic potential.