Drug policy in the United States is undergoing an unusual change. In a matter of days, the Donald Trump Administration has made decisions on two issues that for decades were practically closed: marijuana and psychedelics. On the one hand, the Department of Justice today reclassified state-authorized medical marijuana as a less dangerous substance; on the other, an executive order seeks to accelerate the development of psychedelic drug therapies. These are the keys to understanding what is changing —and what is not—.
Medical marijuana is no longer in the most restrictive category
The most concrete change is the reclassification of state-licensed medical marijuana. Until now, it was on Schedule I, reserved for substances “with a high potential for abuse” and “no accepted medical use.” The order signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moves it to Schedule III, alongside drugs with a lower level of control.
The measure does not legalize cannabis at the federal level, but it does modify its regulatory treatment. In practice, it recognizes the development of state systems that have been operating for years. “Today, the vast majority of states have comprehensive regulatory frameworks that regulate the cultivation, processing, distribution, and dispensing of marijuana for medical purposes,” Blanche wrote. The change also partially aligns the classification with already approved cannabis-derived medications, which were in the same category.
Research and access: the White House’s central argument
The Administration has presented the decision as a step to facilitate research and expand therapeutic options. Blanche stated: “This reclassification measure allows for research into the safety and efficacy of this substance, which will ultimately provide patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.
For years, universities and hospitals have avoided studying cannabis due to its federal status. Reclassification reduces these barriers and could accelerate clinical trials. It also sends a political signal: the federal government is beginning to accept that cannabis has medical applications, something that most states already maintained.
Even so, some experts warn that the change is limited. Morgan Fox, from NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), described it to the BBC as “symbolic,” although he acknowledged that it opens the door to broader debates about legalization.
Economic impact and clash with critics
By moving to Schedule III, many cannabis companies will be able to deduct federal tax expenses, something they could not do before. For the industry, this represents a relief after years of high tax burdens. Shortly after its reclassification was announced, several marijuana companies rallied on the stock market.
But the move has also generated rejection. Kevin Sabet, of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, told the Associated Press that it represents “a tax break for big marijuana companies” and stated that “with this measure, we are now facing the most drug-friendly government in our history.”
The change does not resolve the underlying legal conflict
Despite the shift, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level outside of authorized medical programs. This maintains a fragmented scenario: most states allow its use in some form, but federal laws remain in effect.
The process itself is not closed either. The Department of Justice has convened a hearing to evaluate a broader reclassification of cannabis. Furthermore, once the rule is published, it may face legal challenges that delay its entry into force.
Previously, the Joe Biden Administration had already initiated a review, but failed to complete it. Trump has chosen to accelerate the process, even skipping some usual steps.
Psychedelics: a political signal more than an immediate change
On the other hand, an executive order signed by Trump on April 18 seeks to accelerate the development of treatments with psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA, or psilocybin, all still prohibited at the federal level.
The measure asks the FDA to prioritize certain projects and allocates 50 million dollars to support mental health research. It does not change scientific requirements, but it does change the pace and political attention.
The move responds to the lack of effective treatments for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or treatment-resistant depression. Some research suggests that these compounds could help, although the results are still preliminary and controversial.
There are also risks. Mason Marks, senior research fellow at the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation at Harvard Law School’s Petrie-Flom Center, warned about the possibility of accelerating approvals without sufficient evidence. “This could be a real setback for the progress made,” he stated in a declaration to Time.
In parallel, substances like ibogaine —mentioned by Trump— have gained visibility despite their risks, including severe cardiac effects.
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