Why Trump's Marijuana Rescheduling Move Is a Step in the Right Direction – And Why Full Descheduling Should Be Next

Dec 19, 2025

By Lori Lawlis-Baldwin

Why Trump's Marijuana Rescheduling Move Is a Step in the Right Direction – And Why Full Descheduling Should Be Next

December 19, 2025

Yesterday's executive order by President Donald Trump to expedite marijuana's move from Schedule I to Schedule III is a historic acknowledgment: cannabis has accepted medical uses and lower abuse potential than previously claimed. This rescheduling push corrects decades of outdated policy and opens doors for research, tax relief, and better patient access. But many experts argue it's only halfway there—full descheduling of marijuana would truly align federal law with science and state realities.

At True Life Spirits, we celebrate this progress for the broader hemp-derived wellness space. Let's explore why rescheduling is positive, its limitations, and why descheduling represents the ultimate step forward.

Did You Know? Marijuana's Scheduling History

1970 Origins: When Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in 1970 (signed by President Nixon), marijuana was placed in Schedule I—the most restrictive category. This classification means "no currently accepted medical use," "high potential for abuse," and "lack of accepted safety."
Side-by-Side with Heroin: It sat alongside drugs like heroin and LSD, despite limited scientific evidence at the time.
Repeated Denials: Petitions to reschedule or deschedule (including in 1972 by the Shafer Commission recommending decriminalization) were denied for decades.
2023 Shift: HHS finally recommended rescheduling to Schedule III, citing medical benefits for pain, nausea, and more—leading to yesterday's executive action.

This Schedule I status has hindered research, burdened businesses, and conflicted with 38+ states allowing medical cannabis and 24 allowing adult use.

Why Rescheduling to Schedule III Is a Positive Step

Trump's order directs the DEA to fast-track the process, recognizing marijuana's medical value for the first time federally. Key wins:

Easier Research: Schedule III reduces barriers, allowing more studies on efficacy and safety.
Tax Relief: Ends IRS Section 280E penalties for state-legal businesses, enabling deductions and boosting the industry.
Medical Acknowledgment: Aligns with real-world use by millions of patients.
Ripple Benefits for Hemp: Greater acceptance could accelerate innovation in hemp-derived products like CBD, THCV, and low-THC Delta-9.

This pragmatic move balances reform with controls, potentially paving the way for FDA-approved therapies.

The Case for Full Descheduling: The Real Endgame

While rescheduling is progress, advocates (including NORML and bipartisan lawmakers) push for descheduling—removing marijuana entirely from the CSA:

State Autonomy: Like alcohol/tobacco (not scheduled), states could fully regulate without federal conflict.
End Prohibition Conflicts: No more risk of federal prosecution for state-compliant activities.
True Equity: Addresses justice issues from decades of enforcement.
Science-Based: Cannabis doesn't fit Schedule I criteria anymore—descheduling reflects evidence.

Bills like the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act aim for this, treating cannabis like alcohol under federal oversight but without criminalization.

Rescheduling is a bridge; descheduling is the destination for comprehensive reform.

How This Impacts Hemp-Derived Wellness at True Life Spirits

As federal views evolve, hemp products (legal under the 2018 Farm Bill) gain momentum. Our nano-emulsified lineup—fast-acting, clean, and effective—stands ready: