Trump administration reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as Schedule III drug

In a historic shift, the administration has moved state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This reclassification acknowledges accepted medical use and lower abuse potential. It does not change federal illegality but eases research restrictions and could pressure insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, to reconsider coverage policies in states where it is legal. The change is immediate but does not mandate payer coverage.