Trump Signs Executive Order to Reclassify Marijuana

On Thursday, President Donald Trump enacted a groundbreaking executive order that shifts the federal stance on marijuana in the United States. This directive aims to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance, thereby facilitating medical research and acknowledging its potential therapeutic uses, while stopping short of legalizing its recreational consumption.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the decision removes cannabis from Schedule I—where it had been grouped with drugs like heroin and LSD—and places it in Schedule III, alongside substances such as ketamine and certain anabolic steroids.

While this change does not federally decriminalize marijuana, it may alter regulatory frameworks and ease the heavy tax burdens faced by the industry in states where it is legally used for medical or recreational purposes.

At the signing ceremony, Trump justified the move by citing personal experiences of individuals close to him who have battled severe illnesses. "When you see friends who are really, really sick, dealing with cancer or other conditions, and they find that this makes them feel better without all the side effects of some medications that can knock you out completely, it's something you can't ignore," he stated. He also pointed out that surveys indicate up to 82% of Americans support this type of policy shift.

The President emphasized repeatedly that the executive order does not equate to legalization. "I want to stress that the order I'm about to sign doesn't legalize marijuana in any shape, size, or form, nor does it endorse its use as a recreational drug," he declared. He compared cannabis to prescription painkillers that have legitimate uses but can also be highly dangerous if misused, particularly highlighting risks to young people. "I've always told my kids: don't do drugs, don't drink, don't smoke, stay away from them," he recounted.

As reported by AP, the reclassification had been initially proposed by the Department of Justice during Joe Biden's administration, but the initiative was left unfinished and encountered opposition, even within the Republican Party.

Trump signed the order while the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was still reviewing the case, potentially expediting a process that typically involves a lengthy public comment period.

From the White House, a significant focus was placed on research. Trump asserted that the change will allow for more rigorous investigation into the benefits and risks of cannabis. "There will now be a much larger sample size, and we'll see if it's as good as many people claim. Some say it's more than good, and now we can verify that," he stated. He also mentioned the potential of cannabis as a less harmful alternative to opioid painkillers, which have been at the center of an addiction and mortality crisis in the country.

Currently, about 40 states and several U.S. territories recognize the medical use of marijuana, but federal legislation has remained stringent, leaving many patients and providers in legal uncertainty. For millions of immigrants, including Cubans residing in the U.S., the issue is significant: immigration status, criminal records, and federal laws continue to have a substantial impact, even in states where cannabis is legal.

While Trump's order does not immediately change this landscape, it initiates a new phase in the dialogue about a substance that for decades has been treated solely as a criminal threat and is now beginning to be partially recognized for its medical potential.