Breaking News: President Trump Signs Executive Order to Reschedule Marijuana

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An exciting change in federal marijuana policy is officially moving forward! On December 18th, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that starts the process of rescheduling marijuana under federal law. This is one of the most important developments in marijuana policy in decades, especially for medical patients.

While this change does not make marijuana legal at the federal level, it does officially recognize marijuana’s medical value and helps remove long-standing barriers. Read on to learn more about the changes to come and what rescheduling means for you.

What the Executive Order Does

The executive order directs federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Marijuana has been placed in this category for decades, alongside drugs like heroin. Schedule III substances, on the other hand, are recognized as having medical value and a lower risk of misuse.

This shift means the federal government is formally acknowledging what many patients and medical professionals across the country already understand - marijuana can be extremely impactful for patients living with a variety of conditions. Medical marijuana is used by those living with chronic pain, seizure disorders, cancers, PTSD, and other serious medical concerns in states like Ohio with legal programs.

When signing the executive order, President Trump explained that rescheduling was requested by patients who, for years, have lived with extreme pain and other medical conditions that significantly affect their quality of life.

This Change Does Not Legalize Marijuana Federally

Rescheduling marijuana does not automatically make it legal at the federal level. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and regulation continues to be controlled by individual states. While rescheduling may help speed up future policy changes, it does not create federal legalization, and nothing changes right now for patients or state programs. This means Ohio’s medical marijuana program remains the same, and patients across the country must continue to follow state rules.

While adult-use marijuana is legal in Ohio, medical marijuana patients with an active medical marijuana card receive benefits, including not having to pay the 10% excise tax and getting exclusive marijuana card discounts at some dispensaries. 

Why Rescheduling Matters for Medical Marijuana

Federal marijuana rescheduling brings meaningful benefits to medical marijuana patients.

One major impact involves taxes. State-licensed marijuana businesses have long been blocked from using normal federal tax deductions due to an IRS rule known as 280E. Moving marijuana to Schedule III allows those businesses to claim deductions that were previously unavailable, which, over time, can support decreased pricing, improved operations, and more access for patients.

Rescheduling also makes medical research easier. Since marijuana has been classified as Schedule I, researchers have faced strict limits that made studies difficult to conduct. Removing those barriers allows for better research into how marijuana works, how it can be used safely, and which conditions may benefit most. Over time, this research can lead to improved treatment options and better outcomes for patients who rely on medical marijuana as part of their care.

What This Means for Ohio Patients

For Ohio marijuana patients, nothing is changing right now. The medical marijuana program is already in place and will continue to operate as it has under state law.

What rescheduling does provide is long-term progress. Federal recognition of marijuana’s medical value can strengthen Ohio’s program and support continued growth, education, and society’s acceptance. It can also help normalize medical marijuana as a legitimate treatment option within the broader healthcare system.

Patients should continue renewing their medical marijuana cards to ensure uninterrupted access to marijuana dispensaries and the many benefits that being a marijuana patient offers.

Additional Changes Included in the Order

The executive order also directs federal agencies to review current hemp laws. This is especially important because hemp products are still subject to federal restrictions, and lawmakers continue to debate limits on intoxicating hemp-derived products.

The goal of this review is to improve access to full-spectrum CBD that does not cause intoxicating effects, with distribution limited to regulated, licensed dispensaries rather than unregulated retail locations. There is also discussion around whether certain non-intoxicating CBD products sold through dispensaries could eventually be covered under federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If changes move forward, this could expand options for patients who rely on CBD for symptom relief without experiencing a high. However, any updates would need to carefully balance patient access with existing federal hemp regulations.

The Bottom Line

Federal marijuana rescheduling is a major step forward for medical patients. It officially recognizes marijuana’s medical value at the federal level and removes barriers that have limited research and patient access for decades.

This change does not legalize marijuana at the federal level, but it does create a stronger foundation for medical programs like Ohio’s. As policies continue to evolve, patients who stay informed and compliant with state law will be best positioned to benefit from future progress.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Having a medical marijuana card in Ohio offers numerous benefits over recreational use. With your medical card, you gain access to higher-quality, lab-tested products, personalized care from knowledgeable physicians, and exclusive dispensary discounts, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and affordable relief. Not to mention, the tax savings are significant when you have your medical card. 

Ohio’s medical marijuana program is tailored to prioritize patients’ needs, with evolving qualifying conditions and a commitment to improving access. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, your medical card empowers you to shop at licensed dispensaries with confidence, knowing you’re receiving products designed specifically for therapeutic use.

Thanks to telemedicine, obtaining your card is simple, quick, and convenient. With an Ohio Marijuana Card, you can complete your evaluation and receive a recommendation on the same day, all from the comfort of home! Schedule your appointment today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

At Ohio Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Ohio’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (866) 457-5559 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!

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