US Federal Cannabis Rescheduling: What’s Changed and Why It Matters

In December 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing U.S. federal agencies to move forward with the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. While this does not immediately change the legal status of cannabis at a federal level, it represents a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of U.S. cannabis policy.

Cannabis has long been classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, a category reserved for drugs deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification has sat in tension with the reality of widespread state-level medical cannabis programmes and a growing body of research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medicines. Moving cannabis to Schedule III would formally recognise accepted medical use and place it alongside substances that are more tightly regulated but routinely prescribed.

It is important to note that the Executive Order itself does not automatically reclassify cannabis. Instead, it instructs the relevant federal agencies to complete the regulatory process required to make this change. That process includes administrative review, consultation, and public input, meaning implementation is likely to take time.

However, the order adds momentum to a shift that has already been under consideration. It follows earlier recommendations from U.S. health authorities and reflects increasing recognition that the current classification no longer aligns with scientific evidence or medical practice.

If cannabis is ultimately moved to Schedule III, the impact could be significant. One of the most immediate effects would be on research. For many years, Schedule I status has created substantial barriers to clinical study, limiting the pace and scope of scientific understanding. Rescheduling could make it easier for researchers to study cannabis-based medicines, helping to build a stronger evidence base around safety, efficacy, and appropriate use.

There may also be implications for businesses operating legally under U.S. state law. In particular, rescheduling could ease certain tax restrictions that currently place a heavy burden on cannabis companies. That said, this change would not amount to federal legalisation, nor would it override state laws or remove all regulatory complexity.

While U.S. policy decisions do not directly affect UK law, they often influence international conversations. In the UK, medical cannabis remains tightly regulated, with access limited and research still developing. Increased research activity and regulatory movement in the United States could contribute to a stronger global evidence base, supporting more informed discussion around patient access, clinical guidance, and future policy development here.

For UK businesses, clinicians, and policymakers, this moment is a reminder that cannabis regulation continues to evolve. As international frameworks shift, there may be opportunities to learn from emerging approaches, strengthen research collaboration, and advocate for proportionate, evidence-led policy.

As the U.S. rescheduling process continues, the CIC will be monitoring developments closely and considering what they may mean for our members and the wider UK industry.

We’re keen to hear from our community. How do you think this shift in U.S. policy could affect the UK cannabis sector, patient access, or research? If you have thoughts or perspectives you’d like to share, we’d welcome the conversation.

If you’d like to share your views or have questions about this topic, please get in touch at enquiries@cicouncil.org.uk