President Trump Directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to Finalize Marijuana Rescheduling by the End of January

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 26, 2025

President Trump issued an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to expedite the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, targeting completion by January 2026 end.

The order mandates coordination with Health and Human Services, building on their 2023 recommendation. It emphasizes adhering to federal law while avoiding delays in rulemaking.

Rescheduling would recognize marijuana's accepted medical use federally, ending its 50+ year Schedule I status implying no medical value and high abuse potential. Benefits include eliminating Section 280E tax burdens on state-legal businesses, easing research barriers, and allowing prescriptions for approved cannabis-based drugs beyond current options.

However, it stops short of full legalization, maintaining federal controls. Sources report expectations for a swift process, possibly concluding early January.

Stakeholders, including lawmakers and advocates, have pushed for resolution amid ongoing delays. This move represents a potential historic shift in federal cannabis policy, reflecting evolving recognition of medical applications while preserving regulatory frameworks. The Justice Department has declined public comment on specifics.