Overview

• He has instructed the Domestic Policy Council to compile analyses from Justice, Health and Human Services, and the DEA before any formal rescheduling action.
• Cannabis firms including Scotts Miracle-Gro, Trulieve and the U.S. Cannabis Council have donated millions to Trump-aligned political groups and directly lobbied for a lower classification.
• Senior political advisers view rapid rescheduling as a way to energize young and minority voters, while policy officials warn that loosening restrictions could undermine law enforcement’s use of marijuana odor as probable cause and raise moral and legal concerns.
• A Biden-era HHS recommendation to move marijuana to Schedule III and a subsequent DEA hearing cancellation have left the rulemaking process stalled since Trump took office.
• Moving to Schedule III would not legalize recreational use but would expand medical research opportunities, allow IRS deductions for cannabis businesses and reduce penalties for minor possession.