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By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is "looking at" the possibility of reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
"We're looking at reclassification," the president said at a press conference, noting that "it's early" and that he expects to make a decision in the coming weeks.
While expressing concern that marijuana "does bad for the children," Trump called the issue "very complicated" because of the divided public opinion. He also acknowledged hearing "great things" about its medical use.
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Newsweek reached out to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for comment via email Monday afternoon.
Why It Matters
During the Biden administration, efforts were underway to reclassify cannabis to a Schedule III drug, but a hearing on the matter, scheduled for January 21, 2025, was then postponed during the presidential transition period when Trump came back to office.
Reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to Schedule III would significantly ease restrictions on buying and selling cannabis, particularly for medicinal use. Currently, the United States has a patchwork of regulation surrounding cannabis, with different states having different permissions for the drug's use.
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Can Trump Reclassify Marijuana? What We Know
Technically, the president does not have the power to reclassify a drug himself, with the responsibility being left to the attorney general, in this case, Pam Bondi.
The attorney general then delegates the job to the DEA, which gathers information and opinions on the matter before issuing its decision.
How is Marijuana Classified?
Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I substance, putting it in the same category as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Trafficking the drug could lead to lengthy prison sentences or fines of up to $250,000, depending on the quantity.
If the Trump administration drops cannabis to a Schedule III drug, it would put it in line with Tylenol with codeine, testosterone, and ketamine.
Where Has Marijuana Been Legalized in the US?
Around 40 states and territories have already legalized marijuana for medicinal use, while around 24 states have also allowed it for recreational use. Some others have recriminalized it, meaning those carrying it will likely not be prosecuted.
What People Are Saying
Marijuana Policy Project Executive Director Adam J. Smith, in a statement to Newsweek: "While it's encouraging to hear that President Trump is potentially interested in moving reform forward, rescheduling to SIII has always been a compromise put forward by a Biden administration that wanted to look like reformers without taking the bold and necessary steps to truly tackle the disconnect between state and federal policies.
"President Trump is a far more decisive leader and this administration can solve the problem, rather than kicking the can down the road, by descheduling cannabis entirely. No other plant appears anywhere on the Schedule, and a plant that has been safely used by humans for thousands of years certainly does not belong there. We remain hopeful that this administration will see fit to end decades of federal inaction."
What Happens Next?
Trump said an announcement would be made on the reclassification in the coming weeks.
Update 08/11/25 3:04 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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