President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies on Thursday to expedite marijuana rescheduling and expand medical cannabis research.
The executive order directs the Attorney General to complete rulemaking to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
Schedule III drugs have a lesser potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs, and have a “currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States,” according to Drugs.com.
The move could transform access to medical marijuana for millions of Americans suffering from chronic pain. Federal restrictions have hampered research for decades despite widespread state-level legalization.
Trump’s order cites FDA findings showing “scientific support” for marijuana treating anorexia, nausea, and pain. Nearly one in four U.S. adults experiences chronic pain, with 60% of medical marijuana users seeking pain relief.
The President acknowledged federal policy has “neglected marijuana’s medical uses.” This oversight “limited the ability of scientists and manufacturers to complete the necessary research on safety and efficacy.”
Currently, 40 states plus D.C. operate regulated medical marijuana programs. Over 30,000 healthcare practitioners serve more than 6 million registered patients nationwide.
The order addresses both medical marijuana and CBD products. One in five adults reported using CBD last year, including 15% of seniors.
Trump directed staff to work with Congress on regulations for hemp-derived cannabinoids. The administration seeks to develop THC limits per serving while preserving access to full-spectrum CBD products.
Health agencies must develop research methods that use real-world evidence. The focus includes long-term effects on vulnerable populations, such as adolescents.
The rescheduling process began under the previous administration. HHS recommended Schedule III status in 2023, followed by a DOJ proposed rule receiving 43,000 public comments.
Veterans particularly benefit from medical marijuana access. Research shows 20% of participating veterans reduced opioid use through medical cannabis, according to a White House news release.
The executive order takes effect immediately. Implementation depends on available funding and compliance with federal law.
While Trump’s December 18 executive order directing the expedited rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III represents a notable federal acknowledgment of its medical potential, access in Texas remains constrained.
The state’s medical cannabis is provided exclusively through the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), which, despite recent expansions under House Bill 46 (effective September 1, 2025), continues to face challenges with limited operational dispensaries—currently three active licensees, with nine conditionally approved in December pending final review.
These factors contribute to ongoing access issues for qualifying patients, particularly in rural areas.
The Dallas Express will soon deliver in-depth coverage examining the supply dynamics, patient impacts, progress, and remaining hurdles within Texas’ medical cannabis framework, including the role of the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Stay tuned for this upcoming series.
