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Since 1970, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug—a highly dangerous and addictive substance with no medical use. In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration proposed moving marijuana to Schedule III, which includes drugs like ketamine and testosterone.
Trump acknowledged that the decision is complex, weighing the potential benefits of medical marijuana against possible societal impacts. “Some people like it, some people hate it,” he said.
Most experts agree that rescheduling marijuana would be beneficial for science and research. Raphael Cuomo, a biomedical scientist at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, explained that this move could improve dosing guidance, drug interaction data in oncology, pain management, and palliative care. It would also speed up high-quality clinical trials to standardize products and address important patient questions.
However, reclassifying marijuana could be perceived as a safety endorsement, given the rising rates of heavy and daily use. In 2022, marijuana surpassed frequent alcohol consumption for the first time, with an estimated 17.7 million users consuming it daily or nearly daily compared to 14.7 million daily drinkers.
Research has shown that long-term or heavy cannabis use can cause brain and mental health issues such as memory problems, psychotic disorders, and psychosis. It can also irritate the lungs, leading to a daily cough, bronchitis, mucus, and wheezing. Some heavy users may develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, which can be reversed by stopping marijuana use.
If the administration decides to reclassify marijuana, experts recommend including warnings for youth, pregnancy, driving, and individuals with a history of psychosis in public messaging efforts. “Risk perception often moves faster than policy,” Cuomo noted.
