Trump’s marijuana order throws lifeline to hemp industry

OG article by Nathaniel Weixel

December 29, 2025

President Trump's executive order, issued last week, directs the expedited rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III and introduces Medicare coverage for CBD, potentially aiding the hemp industry amid a looming ban. This follows a November government funding bill provision that closes a loophole in the 2018 farm bill, reclassifying hemp-derived products with over 0.4 milligrams of THC as cannabis, effective next year. The order urges collaboration with Congress to preserve access to non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD while restricting risky products. Hemp industry representatives, including Jonathan Miller from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, view it as a political lifeline, enhancing leverage for legislative fixes, though it lacks legal force. Critics highlight exploitation of broad definitions for high-THC extracts mimicking marijuana. Thomas Winstanley of edibles.com notes the order's acknowledgment of CBD's health benefits, signaling related regulation for cannabis and hemp. The White House fact sheet emphasizes CBD's use by 20% of adults and 15% of seniors for ailments, criticizing the ban for lacking safeguards and calling for legislative solutions. However, the order does not assist synthetic THC products, and stakeholders like Chris Lindsey stress it targets genuine CBD firms.