In a surprising turn, the Trump administration is weighing a significant change in federal drug policy by considering the reclassification of marijuana from a highly restricted category to a less stringent one.
According to Fox News, the move, which could reshape the legal landscape for cannabis in the United States, involves shifting marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug classifications, with a decision anticipated by the end of 2025.
Historically, marijuana has been viewed as a dangerous substance by federal authorities. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was often tied to counterculture movements, with politicians like Richard Nixon launching a war on drugs that linked cannabis to societal issues. Nixon’s policies painted marijuana as a threat, targeting specific communities and escalating enforcement efforts.
One of Nixon’s top aides, John Ehrlichman, later revealed the political motivations behind such policies in a 1994 interview, admitting, “Did we know we were lying about the drugs?” “Of course we did,” he continued, shedding light on the questionable foundations of past drug narratives. Similarly, during his candidacy, Ronald Reagan labeled marijuana as “probably the most dangerous drug in the United States,” while his wife, Nancy, spearheaded the “Just Say No” campaign to deter drug use among youth.
Even Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign faced scrutiny over his admission of trying marijuana, though he famously claimed he “didn’t inhale,” turning the moment into a widely mocked anecdote. Generations since those early warnings have often dismissed the exaggerated fears surrounding cannabis, with many laughing off outdated propaganda like the 1936 film “Reefer Madness.” Public perception has shifted dramatically as more people have experimented with the drug and rejected notions of it being a gateway to harder substances.
Today, the cultural tide has turned, with medical marijuana legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Recreational use is permitted in 24 states, including places like New York and Colorado, as well as Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, cannabis shops with catchy names like MrGreen, Blunt, and Taste Budz operate openly near the Capitol, reflecting a normalized presence.
The modern cannabis market offers products branded with creative names such as Violet Sky and Hash Burger, appealing to a broad consumer base. What was once an underground activity has transformed into a major industry, valued at $38 billion last year, and backed by influential lobbyists.
Firms like Alex Bruesewitz’s X Strategies, which received $300,000 from the pro-cannabis group American Rights and Reform for media services, and Mercury Public Affairs, representing the US Cannabis Council, highlight the industry’s growing clout.
Amid this evolving landscape, the Trump administration’s consideration of moving marijuana to Schedule III, alongside substances like anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine, marks a notable departure from past federal stances. This reclassification would not fully legalize the drug but would relax some restrictions, allowing for expanded research into its medical applications. Alex Bruesewitz, an advocate for cannabis reform, told the Free Press that this shift “keeps cannabis as a controlled substance but allows for more testing for medicinal purposes.”
He also described it as a “politically savvy move” given the strong public backing for such changes. A March 2025 survey by Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio found that 66% of respondents supported full legalization, while 70% favored rescheduling the drug. Opposition to this potential policy adjustment appears minimal, reflecting a broader acceptance of cannabis in society.
However, not everyone is on board with the proposed change in classification. GOP Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas, along with eight other lawmakers, wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi expressing worry that such a move “would send a message to kids that marijuana is not harmful.” Their concern highlights lingering apprehensions about the societal impact of easing restrictions, especially on younger generations.
Adding to the debate is the fact that today’s cannabis is considered far more potent than the versions circulated in previous decades, raising questions about its effects. Yet, for many in the public, the issue seems settled, with a senior White House official noting, “For a lot of the base, it’s an issue like gay marriage that people have gotten comfortable with.” The official added, “It’s good politics,” suggesting the administration sees potential benefits in aligning with public sentiment.
President Donald Trump himself has a well-known aversion to drugs, alcohol, and smoking, a stance shaped by the tragic loss of his brother to alcoholism. His personal abstention contrasts with the policy direction his administration might take, creating an intriguing dynamic in this debate. As the decision deadline approaches by the end of 2025, the nation watches to see how this balance between personal beliefs and public opinion will play out.
The potential reclassification of marijuana could set a precedent for future drug policy reforms at the federal level. It also underscores how far the conversation has come from the days of harsh crackdowns to a more nuanced understanding of cannabis use. With a decision looming, the outcome may redefine the relationship between federal law and the growing cannabis industry for years to come.