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Trump Considers Reclassifying Marijuana to Schedule III Drug

Is rescheduling marijuana inadequate reform that perpetuates criminalization, or reckless policy that ignores health risks?
Trump Considers Reclassifying Marijuana to Schedule III Drug
Above: THC Supply Co. cannabis flower at CHAMPS Trade Show at the Palmer Events Center on Sept. 11. Image credit: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III falls dangerously short of real reform and perpetuates the failed war on drugs. Moving cannabis from Schedule I would still leave it criminalized under federal law, allowing arrests and incarceration to continue while enriching corporate investors. True progress requires complete descheduling paired with expungements, community reinvestment and ending criminal penalties that destroy lives.

Establishment-critical narrative

Rescheduling marijuana would be a reckless policy that ignores science and endangers public health. The drug has no accepted medical use, carries a 30% addiction rate and recent studies link it to doubled cardiovascular death risk, and increased suicidality and psychosis in teens. Loosening restrictions would supercharge a dangerous industry's advertising reach while betraying communities already suffering from legalization's devastating impacts.


Public Figures


The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0