President Donald Trump mentioned that his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana to a lower risk category. This discussion arises amid ongoing advocacy from many who believe marijuana can effectively manage chronic pain, reduce nausea, and alleviate symptoms related to multiple sclerosis and anxiety, among other conditions.
During a press conference on Monday, when queried about the potential reclassification of marijuana, Trump indicated that they were “only looking at” it and emphasized that it was still early in the process.
Since the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was signed in 1970, marijuana has been categorized as a Schedule I drug. This designation suggests a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical uses in the U.S., and a lack of safety for medical supervision.
Yet, some public figures claim that pharmaceutical companies have historically worked alongside the federal government to keep marijuana’s Schedule I status, essentially protecting their market for prescription painkillers.
A significant number of marijuana users have cited replacing their pain medications with cannabis. Numerous peer-reviewed studies and surveys reveal that many chronic pain patients reduce or even replace their prescription opioids with cannabis, especially in states where medical marijuana is legal.
In 2024, the Biden administration began the reclassification process after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended moving marijuana to Schedule III in 2023. However, a proposed rule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to this effect has been on hold since March 2025.
If marijuana were to be moved to Schedule III, it would join drugs like Tylenol, aspirin, and testosterone—substances that are deemed to have a lower potential for abuse, recognized medical uses, and moderate to low physical dependence according to the CSA.
“We’re looking at it,” Trump commented. “Some people like it, some people hate it. Some people hate the whole concept of marijuana.”
Trump acknowledged that it’s a “very complicated subject.” He noted he had heard positive feedback regarding its medical benefits for pain management, but he also mentioned some negative aspects associated with it.
Regardless, he reiterated that the administration is “looking at reclassification,” suggesting that a decision may be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
“That determination hopefully will be the right one,” Trump added.
