Trump Signs Order to Reclassify Cannabis in the US: Changes for Medicine and the Market
US President Donald Trump has officially signed an order that changes the status of marijuana in federal legislation. From now on, cannabis will be moved from Schedule I, which included substances with the highest level of control and no recognized medical use, to Schedule III — a category of drugs with confirmed medical properties and a lower potential for abuse.
This is reported by AgroReview
Medical Significance and New Opportunities for Patients
In his speech in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that this decision was a response to years of demands from American patients suffering from serious illnesses, chronic pain, aggressive forms of cancer, seizure disorders, and neurological conditions. The president particularly highlighted the importance of this new approach for war veterans with injuries and elderly individuals with chronic diseases that significantly affect their quality of life.
“This step has long been demanded by American patients suffering from severe pain, incurable diseases, aggressive forms of cancer, seizure disorders, and neurological conditions.”
A pilot program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid is expected to launch in April, allowing certain Medicare-insured elderly citizens in the US to receive doctor-recommended cannabinoid products for free. The White House emphasizes that these products must meet all federal, local, and state standards, come from legal sources, and undergo independent testing for active ingredients and potential contaminants.
Market Impact and Industry Prospects
The stock market reaction has been cautious: shares of leading cannabis companies have seen significant declines. Specifically, Trulieve’s shares fell by approximately 23%, Green Thumb Industries by more than 16%, Tilray Brands by about 4%, and the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF lost nearly 27%. Investors are concerned about the future intensification of competition, especially from international companies.
Despite this, many experts view the reclassification as a significant step towards financial recovery for the industry. The changes lift some tax restrictions, open access to banking services, and institutional capital. The White House and Wall Street predict that the new status of cannabis will stimulate scientific research on cannabinoids and may attract the attention of major pharmaceutical companies. At the same time, Trump emphasized that the order does not pertain to the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.
It is worth noting that Ukraine legalized medical cannabis in August 2024. According to the charity fund “Patients of Ukraine,” between 2 to 6 million citizens need such products — among them are people with chronic pain, cancer, post-traumatic, and neurological disorders. Due to the war and ongoing stress, an increase in demand for effective and controlled cannabinoid products is expected. Experts predict that the first registered products will appear in domestic pharmacies as early as January to March 2026.