President Donald Trump (R) has signed an Executive Order endorsing Schedule III reschedulingfor medical CBD derived from marijuana.

“It’s not the legalization. It does not legalize marijuana in any way, shape, or form. It in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug,” Trump explained.

Currently, marijuana and its cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is a Schedule I drug that the federal government says has no value. In contrast, cocaine is Schedule II while alcohol is not scheduled.

He repeated anti-marijuana rhetoric.

“It’s never safe to use powerful controlled substances in a recreational manner,” Trump said. “…I always told my children… stay away from drugs!”

He did note that medical cannabis is better than legal lethal opioid painkillers. However, he explained that medical cannabis legalization in 40 states has proven effective.

“This classification will make it easier to conduct marijuana related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers, and future treatments,” Trump explained.

“We’re also asking Congress to reconsider classification of hemp-derived CBD to ensure seniors can access CBD products they have found beneficial for pain…,” he said.

“I promise to be the President of Common Sense,” Trump claimed.

According to a White House fact sheet they want the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the organizations under it to direct the forthcoming process.

Medical CBD Cannabis for Seniors

Dr. Mehmet Oz of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) noted how CBD helps seniors.

“They improve their pain,” he said.

“Every President before has whiffed on this issue. It’s tough,” Dr. Oz noted.

“They’re leaving patients and doctors without adequate guidelines,” he alleged about the state-legal cannabis laws.

Innovation center models will allow millions of Americans on Medicare to become eligible to receive CBD for free if their doctors recommend it, Dr. Oz argued.

He said CBD must come from a reliable source. Dr. Oz noted that CMS will collect data on the research.

“We’re going to analyze that data and make it publicly available,” he said.

Dr. Oz said many are seeking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for medical CBD. He liked the process, which favors the large corporations of Big Pharma.

Bobby Kennedy Jr Endorses Medical CBD

“This is a scientific question that has divided our country for many, many years. There are valid claims on both sides,” HHS Secretary Bobby Kennedy Jr. said.

He also lamented that only anecdotal evidence exists.

“We have not been able to do scientific studies,” Kennedy said.

“If you don’t have standardized dozing… it’s comparing apples to pears,” he claimed.

Kennedy criticized the Biden Administration for not moving marijuana progress sooner. He noted Trump did endorse Schedule III classification during the 2024 presidential election.

“I don’t want it. I won’t be taking it,” Trump added. “A lot of people need it.”

He did not seem bothered by Affordable Care Act plans losing their subsidies and surging in costs when asked.

American Legion Endorses Legal Medical CBD

American Legion Commander Dan Wiley endorsed medical CBD marijuana reclassification as well.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the veterans who will benefit,” he said.

Wiley said they’re working with the VA on veteran suicide. Wiley explained that veterans are disproportionately affected by trauma, depression, and chronic pain.

He liked the idea of more cannabis research being done.

“There is anecdotal evidence that cannabis benefits these conditions,” Wiley noted.

“Veterans will suffer a lot less now,” Trump said.

Federal Cannabis Prohibition Issues Remain

It’s unclear how the Executive Order by Trump will affect the state-legal cannabis markets, if at all. He seems to want to put some medical CBD products legally via the FDA process.

Notably, every intoxicating hemp cannabinoid will be banned by fall 2026 under a law passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump recently.

Heady NJ has seen that a lot of state-legal cannabis companies are eager for the feds to address Section 280-E of the IRS tax code, where they have issues deducting expenses. Unfriendly banks and payment processors also seem like they would be addressed via Schedule III reclassification.

So, some are naturally happy for this bit of progress.

The issues affect the entire industry, including media companies like Heady NJ.

However, it is unclear how this announcement will help or affect the state-legal medical and adult-use cannabis markets, if at all.

The very popular position of descheduling would really solve issues and allow the state-legal cannabis markets to flourish. It would also address its criminalization.