Will Marijuana Be Reclassified Federally As a Less Dangerous Drug? Here’s Where President Trump Stands

The national debate over marijuana’s classification under federal law is heating up again, and Louisiana patients are watching closely. President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration is reviewing whether marijuana should be reclassified from Schedule I to a lower category. While this wouldn’t legalize marijuana outright, it could represent one of the most consequential shifts in U.S. policy in years.

Marijuana’s Current Federal Status

Under current federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, meaning it's viewed as having “no accepted medical use” and a “high potential for abuse.” For years, advocates, health professionals, and patients have argued that this classification doesn’t reflect the growing body of evidence showing marijuana’s medical benefits in treating chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, and more.

What President Trump Has Said

On August 11th, President Trump stated he will decide on rescheduling “in the coming weeks.” Though no outcome has been confirmed, his announcement has added momentum to calls from bipartisan lawmakers who say federal policy is overdue for reform and public support for change is at an all-time high.

Why This Matters

Shifting marijuana to Schedule III or lower would be a major policy pivot. It would:

• Acknowledge marijuana’s medical use under federal law

• Make it easier for researchers to study its effects and therapeutic potential

• Remove some financial burdens on marijuana businesses, like prohibitive tax restrictions and limited banking access

• Reduce federal penalties and uncertainty for patients and providers

It’s important to note that rescheduling would not legalize marijuana nationwide; states would still set their own rules, including in Louisiana. That means Louisiana’s medical marijuana laws would stay the same, and everything currently available to patients in the state would continue just as it is now.

Political Reactions

The possibility of rescheduling has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Some Republican figures suggest it could encourage broader legalization discussions. Others say the move may bolster Trump’s image as a reform-minded leader, potentially shifting the political narrative. In Congress, lawmakers are already drafting bills to support rescheduling, signaling growing momentum for change.

What This Means for Louisiana

Louisiana’s medical marijuana program has expanded significantly since its launch. Doctors in Louisiana can now recommend marijuana for virtually any condition they consider debilitating. Unlike in many other states, there is no longer a limited list of qualifying conditions that restricts patient access. Instead, physicians have the flexibility to use their medical judgment when determining whether marijuana may help a patient. This change has significantly broadened access, allowing individuals with a wide range of medical issues to qualify. In addition, smokable flower is now legally available to patients in limited amounts, giving them more options for how they manage their treatment.

If marijuana is reclassified federally, Louisiana stands to benefit in several ways:

• Doctors may feel more confident recommending marijuana, improving access for patients

• Patients could face fewer legal and financial uncertainties when seeking treatment

• Businesses and dispensaries may operate under less restrictive conditions

For patients, this shift could mean more treatment options, reduced stigma, and greater confidence in the future of Louisiana’s medical program.

Looking Ahead

President Trump has promised a decision soon, and Louisiana residents are watching eagerly. If marijuana is rescheduled federally, it would validate its medical use and reinforce the legitimacy of what Louisiana patients and providers have been doing for years.

While rescheduling won’t fix every challenge, such as banking hurdles or interstate commerce issues, it's a powerful step toward a more reasonable, medical-focused federal policy. For Louisiana, it could strengthen the medical program, encourage broader participation from physicians, and offer patients greater peace of mind about their access to care.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Louisiana, and you can get your medical marijuana card today! It is now easier than ever to get your card, so if you think marijuana may benefit you, what are you waiting for?

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a card, we can help! Just give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have.

Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think marijuana could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?

Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!