Historic change for cannabis in the United States: what the federal reclassification under Trump means for the market, research, and consumers

In December 2025 , the administration of President Donald Trump initiated a significant transformation of the federal framework governing cannabis in the United States . Through a presidential decree aimed at reclassifying marijuana into a less restrictive category of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) , Washington began a policy shift that could influence the industry, medical research, and consumer access to cannabis nationwide.

1. What is the federal reclassification of cannabis?

Until recently, cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act , in the same category as heroin or LSD: a category which means no recognized medical use and strong potential for addiction .

The executive order signed by President Trump in December 2025 directs the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move cannabis to Schedule III . This category signifies a recognized potential for medical use and a lower risk of abuse , similar to medications like ketamine, certain steroids, or Tylenol with codeine.

👉 Important: This change does not equate to full federal legalization . The sale or possession of cannabis remains illegal at the federal level unless specific products are approved by the FDA.

2. Why is this change significant?

✅ Medical recognition

For the first time, the federal government officially recognizes that cannabis may have medical value , paving the way for further research, particularly on its therapeutic uses.

✅ Reducing barriers to research

The reclassification eases the regulatory constraints that were hindering clinical studies in the United States, facilitating scientists' access to the necessary materials and funding.

✅ Tax and financial relief for industry

An important consequence is the possibility, once the formal reclassification is applied , of relieving cannabis companies of certain tax restrictions, such as section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which has made taxation particularly heavy until now.

3. Limitations: what this change does not do

❌ It does not legalize cannabis federally for recreational or even unrestricted medical use.
❌ It does not eliminate the risk of federal prosecution for possession or distribution of cannabis not approved by the FDA.
❌ It does not foresee expungement (erasure of criminal records) or other criminal justice reforms.

4. The role of the Biden vs. Trump administrations

Prior to this December 2025 action, the Biden administration had initiated the reclassification process by recommending that the Department of Health move cannabis to Schedule III.

Under Trump, this process was accelerated by decree , despite a complex political context including the rescission of certain Biden directives favorable to not prosecuting smallholdings.

5. Impact on industry, businesses and investors

📈 Stock and capitalization boom: Following the reclassification announcement, several cannabis stocks have risen sharply, reflecting investor optimism about a more favorable regulatory framework.

🏭 Strategies of large companies: Groups like Tilray have already announced enhanced development plans for the medical segment, anticipating a less restrictive framework.

6. What this means for consumers and patients

✅ Improved access to research on therapeutic uses
✅ Future possibility of new reimbursement approaches , particularly in pilot programs like Medicare for certain derivative products (e.g., CBD).

⚠️ However, for now, people who consume or possess cannabis outside of state frameworks or without medical approval remain subject to federal prosecution.

7. Legislative perspectives: towards total legalization?

Several bills exist in Congress (such as the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act ) aimed at removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and creating a national framework, but they have not yet been passed.

The reclassification under Trump could serve as a foot in the door for future deeper reform , but its impact will depend on the actions of Congress , the FDA, and future elections.

8. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is cannabis now legal in the United States?
No — reclassification does not legalize consumption or sale at the federal level.

❓ Will banks be able to work with cannabis companies?
If the reclassification is official, yes , it's an increased possibility because federal risks decrease.

❓ Will this change state laws?
State laws will continue to apply. The majority of states have already legalized medical cannabis, and some recreational cannabis.

The evolution of the federal cannabis framework in the United States shows one clear thing:
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