By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Every American should have access to cutting-edge medical treatments and research facilities. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a comprehensive review regarding the medical use of marijuana and concluded that it can effectively treat conditions such as anorexia related to underlying diseases, nausea and vomiting, and various forms of pain. Chronic pain is a significant issue, affecting roughly 25% of adults in the United States and over one-third of seniors. Notably, 60% of individuals using medical marijuana cite pain management as their primary reason. Currently, 40 states and the District of Columbia operate regulated medical marijuana programs. However, decades of federal drug policy have overlooked the therapeutic potential of marijuana, stifling crucial research on its safety and effectiveness.
As it stands, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which categorizes it as having no accepted medical use, a high risk of abuse, and no safety for medical use under supervision. In a significant shift, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that marijuana be reclassified to Schedule III. Schedule III drugs are recognized for having accepted medical applications and a lower potential for abuse compared to those in Schedules I and II.
This recommendation from HHS was bolstered by evidence that over 30,000 licensed healthcare professionals across 43 jurisdictions are authorized to recommend medical marijuana for more than 6 million registered patients dealing with at least 15 medical conditions. The FDA’s findings, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, affirm credible scientific evidence for the medical use of marijuana in pain management, treatment of anorexia, and alleviation of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Following these developments, the Department of Justice proposed a rule in May 2024 to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III, which has garnered nearly 43,000 public comments and is currently pending an administrative law hearing.
The federal government’s protracted delay in acknowledging the medical benefits of marijuana fails to support those Americans who have found relief from chronic pain and other recognized health issues through its use. This is particularly crucial for those seeking alternative pain relief. A research survey found that 20% of participating veterans reported reducing their opioid consumption thanks to medical marijuana. Additionally, about 10% of seniors utilized marijuana in the past year, with some evidence suggesting improvements in their overall quality of life and pain levels. However, the Schedule I classification has severely hindered research efforts, leaving patients and healthcare providers in the dark about proper usage and potential consequences. Alarmingly, only 56% of older Americans using marijuana have discussed their usage with healthcare providers, increasing the risk of adverse drug interactions, especially for seniors managing multiple medications. It is imperative for the federal government to enhance the research framework for medical marijuana to better serve the needs of Americans.
Beyond medical marijuana, hemp-derived cannabinoid products, as defined by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, have gained traction for their potential to alleviate common ailments. Approximately 20% of U.S. adults and nearly 15% of seniors reported using CBD in the past year, with chronic pain patients noting improvements in clinical trials. Moreover, evidence indicates that the THC content in hemp-derived products can influence both efficacy in pain management and the likelihood of adverse effects. While hemp-derived cannabinoids are not classified as controlled substances under the CSA, they still fall under the same regulatory requirements as FDA-approved products. Complicating the landscape, certain full-spectrum CBD products may soon revert to being classified as marijuana due to THC levels exceeding new legal thresholds. Additionally, a recent study highlighted concerns over mislabeled commercially available CBD products, further jeopardizing consumer safety. In summary, the current legal framework leaves both patients and healthcare providers without sufficient guidance or protection regarding the use of CBD.
It is the policy of my Administration to prioritize research on medical marijuana and CBD to better equip patients and providers with the knowledge they need. Bridging the gap between current usage and comprehensive medical understanding of risks and benefits, especially for specific demographics and conditions, is essential. Research methodologies should incorporate real-world evidence and enable affordable access to evaluate health outcomes related to medical marijuana and legal CBD products, particularly focusing on long-term effects in vulnerable groups like adolescents and young adults.
Sec. 2. Rescheduling Medical Marijuana and Improving Access to Cannabidiol Products. (a) The Attorney General shall undertake all necessary actions to expedite the rulemaking process for reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III of the CSA, in accordance with federal law, including 21 U.S.C. 811.
(b) The Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political, and Public Affairs shall collaborate with Congress to revise the statutory definition of final hemp-derived cannabinoid products, ensuring that Americans can access appropriate full-spectrum CBD products while maintaining congressional intent to restrict potentially harmful items. This will involve consultations with relevant executive departments and agencies to establish a regulatory framework for hemp-derived products, including guidelines on THC limits per serving, container thresholds, and CBD to THC ratios. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Director of the National Institutes of Health will develop research strategies leveraging real-world evidence to enhance access to hemp-derived cannabinoid products in line with federal regulations and to inform care standards.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall undermine or otherwise influence:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or their heads; or
(ii) the responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be executed in accordance with applicable laws and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any enforceable rights or benefits, either substantive or procedural, against the United States, its departments, agencies, or officials, or any other individuals.
(d) The costs associated with the publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Health and Human Services.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
December 18, 2025.
