What Trump’s Executive Order Reclassifying Marijuana Means for Medical Cannabis Patients

Ryan Manser
4 days ago
4 min read

In late 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to begin the process of reclassifying marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. This move represents one of the most significant shifts in federal cannabis policy in decades.

While the order does not legalize marijuana at the federal level, it does change how the federal government officially views cannabis — particularly when it comes to medical use, research, and regulation.

In this article, we’ll break down:

What the executive order actually does
What reclassifying marijuana means
What hasn’t changed
How this could impact medical marijuana patients
What to watch for next

What Did the Executive Order Do?

The executive order directs federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule III substances are considered to have accepted medical uses and a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I or II drugs.

This reclassification represents a major shift in federal policy, acknowledging that marijuana may have medical value.

What Reclassification Means — and What It Doesn’t

Marijuana Is Still Not Federally Legal

Reclassifying marijuana does not make it legal at the federal level. Marijuana remains a controlled substance, and federal law still prohibits possession, distribution, and transportation outside of state-regulated programs.

State marijuana laws remain in place and are not overridden by this executive order.

Easier Medical and Scientific Research

One of the biggest impacts of reclassification is expected to be expanded medical and scientific research.

Under Schedule I, marijuana research has been heavily restricted for decades. Reclassification reduces barriers for universities, researchers, and medical institutions to study cannabis more freely. This could lead to better data on:

Safety and effectiveness
Appropriate dosing
Long-term effects
Potential medical applications

For patients, this could eventually mean more evidence-based guidance and improved standards of care.

Potential Changes for the Cannabis Industry

Reclassification may also reduce regulatory burdens for state-licensed cannabis businesses. While it does not fully normalize cannabis at the federal level, it may:

Improve access to financial services
Reduce certain tax limitations
Encourage more standardized regulations

These changes are expected to unfold gradually and will depend on additional rulemaking and enforcement decisions.

What the Executive Order Does NOT Change

It’s important to understand what remains the same:

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law
Crossing state lines with cannabis remains illegal
Cannabis remains prohibited on federal land and in airports
Workplace drug policies and federal drug testing rules still apply
State marijuana programs remain the primary legal pathway for access

In short, medical marijuana patients must still follow state laws first and foremost.

What This Means for Medical Marijuana Patients

If you are a medical marijuana patient in Michigan, Ohio, or Oklahoma, this executive order does not change your current rights or responsibilities.

You must still:

Hold a valid state medical marijuana certification
Purchase products from licensed dispensaries
Follow possession and usage laws in your state

However, the reclassification signals a broader federal acknowledgment of marijuana’s medical value — which could lead to future improvements in research, consistency, and patient education.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Medical Cannabis

For decades, marijuana’s Schedule I status placed it in the same category as drugs considered to have no medical use. This executive order marks a philosophical shift at the federal level and brings federal policy closer to the reality that many states already recognize — that cannabis may play a role in medical treatment for certain patients.

This change may also reduce stigma around medical marijuana use and encourage more healthcare professionals to engage in open, evidence-based discussions with patients.

What Happens Next?

Reclassification does not happen instantly. Federal agencies must still complete formal rulemaking processes, which can take time.

Future changes could include:

Updated federal guidance
Expanded clinical research
Clarified regulatory standards
Potential legislative action from Congress

Patients should continue to rely on state medical marijuana programs until any additional federal changes are finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is marijuana legal everywhere now?

A: No. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law and only legal where state laws allow it.

Q: Does this affect my medical marijuana card?

A: No. State medical marijuana programs remain unchanged.

Q: Can I travel with marijuana now?

A: No. Crossing state lines with marijuana is still illegal.

Q: Does this mean doctors can prescribe marijuana?

A: No. Marijuana remains a recommendation-based program under state law, not a federally prescribed medication.

Bottom Line

Trump’s executive order reclassifying marijuana is a meaningful step toward recognizing cannabis as a substance with potential medical value. However, it does not legalize marijuana federally or eliminate existing restrictions.

For medical marijuana patients, state programs remain the safest and most reliable way to access cannabis legally. Staying informed and compliant with state laws is essential as federal policy continues to evolve.

At drkennabis, we help patients in Michigan, Ohio, and Oklahoma understand their options and navigate medical marijuana laws with confidence.

👉 Schedule a telemedicine appointment today to learn more about medical marijuana certification in your state.