Washington — President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate research into medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD), while moving more quickly toward reclassifying marijuana under federal law.
The order cites growing scientific evidence and widespread state-level adoption of medical marijuana programs as justification for federal action. According to the White House, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded in 2023 that marijuana has credible scientific support for treating pain, nausea and vomiting, and anorexia related to certain medical conditions. Chronic pain affects nearly one in four U.S. adults and more than one in three seniors, with a majority of medical marijuana users reporting pain management as their primary reason for use.
Despite this, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, a category reserved for drugs deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The executive order highlights a 2023 recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to move marijuana to Schedule III, a classification that recognizes accepted medical use and lower abuse potential. The Department of Justice proposed such a rule in May 2024, which has since received nearly 43,000 public comments and is awaiting an administrative law hearing.
The order directs the Attorney General to complete the rescheduling process “in the most expeditious manner” allowed under federal law.
The administration also pointed to the impact of federal delays on patients, including veterans and seniors. Surveys cited in the order suggest some veterans reduced opioid use after turning to medical marijuana, while evidence indicates potential improvements in seniors’ quality of life. Officials said the lack of federal approval and limited research have left doctors and patients without clear guidance, increasing the risk of unsafe use or drug interactions.
In addition to marijuana, the order focuses on hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as CBD, which are widely used and legal under federal law but largely unregulated as medical products. One in five U.S. adults and nearly 15 percent of seniors reported using CBD in the past year, according to figures cited. The order notes concerns about inaccurate labeling, inconsistent THC levels, and upcoming legal changes that could reclassify some full-spectrum CBD products as marijuana.
To address these issues, the White House directed senior aides to work with Congress on updating statutory definitions for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The goal is to allow access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products while limiting those that pose health risks. Federal agencies, including HHS, the FDA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the National Institutes of Health, were instructed to develop research models using real-world evidence to guide standards of care.
The administration said the policy aims to close the gap between widespread use of medical marijuana and CBD and the scientific understanding of their risks and benefits, particularly for vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults.
The order specifies that it does not create new legal rights and must be implemented within existing law and budgetary constraints. The Department of Health and Human Services will cover the costs of publication.
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