AUSTIN, Texas – The Trump administration has announced a significant reclassification of state-licensed medical marijuana, lowering its designation to a less hazardous category under federal law. This decision could have notable implications for Texas and beyond.
The change was revealed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche earlier today. Under the new order, medical marijuana will be moved from a Schedule I classification, which includes drugs like heroin, to Schedule III, a category that encompasses medications such as Tylenol with codeine.
This reclassification follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in December and was confirmed by the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The new classification applies to certain marijuana products that are FDA-approved and state-regulated, marking a historic shift in U.S. drug policy.
According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III drugs are recognized for having a moderate to low risk of dependency. Blanche emphasized that this change will facilitate more comprehensive research into the safety and efficacy of marijuana, broadening patient access and assisting healthcare providers in making informed decisions.
“We’ve already been third-party lab testing our products, reviewing customers’ IDs, all of this stuff. So, it is really the only change that happens at the federal level. Is opening up that research, which is going to be crucial,” stated Nicholas Mortillaro, owner of Botanic Bliss Cafe & Lounge in central Texas. He noted that while daily operations may remain unchanged, the long-term effects of this reclassification could be significant.
Mortillaro added, “This allows the U.S. to conduct research in a clinical setting, with peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled trials, without the burdensome red tape associated with a Schedule I substance.” He expressed optimism that operators within Texas’ Compassionate Use Program might experience relaxed restrictions on their products, along with potential tax benefits.
However, not everyone is celebrating this development. Phil Dubois, chairman of the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association Government Affairs Committee, expressed concern over the implications for public safety. “We don’t want to take away marijuana from anyone who needs it, but just like with alcohol, there are individuals who misuse it,” he cautioned. Dubois warned that the reclassification might lead to unintended consequences, particularly regarding workplace safety.
He further stated, “Anytime a drug is not classified as Schedule I or II, there are concerns. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Schedule III or legalized; the implications are similar in terms of testing.” Dubois highlighted the importance of maintaining drug-free workplace policies, especially in safety-sensitive industries such as transportation.
In light of these changes, the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association plans to pursue legal action. Meanwhile, the DEA is expediting its process to consider moving all marijuana products to Schedule III, with a new hearing scheduled for June 29.
