Breaking News: President Trump Signs Executive Order to Reschedule Marijuana

Want breaking news on dispensary openings, law changes, and patient updates in Kentucky? Sign up for our newsletter!

A major federal marijuana policy update is officially underway! On December 18, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to begin rescheduling marijuana under federal law. This announcement represents one of the most significant shifts in marijuana policy in decades, especially for patients who rely on medical marijuana for ongoing care.

Although this change does not make marijuana legal at the federal level, it does formally acknowledge marijuana’s medical value and removes barriers that affect patients, research, and state medical programs, including Kentucky’s. Read on to learn more about the changes to come and what rescheduling means for you.

What the Executive Order Does

The executive order instructs 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 classified this way for many years, alongside drugs like heroin. Schedule III substances, on the other hand, are recognized as having medical use and a lower risk of misuse as compared to Schedule I drugs.

This change reflects what many patients and medical professionals nationwide already understand. Medical marijuana is commonly used by individuals managing chronic pain, seizure disorders, cancer, PTSD, and other serious medical issues in states with regulated programs like Kentucky.

When signing the order, President Trump explained that patients who have lived for years with severe pain and long-term medical conditions that significantly impact daily life have been requesting this change.

This Does Not Make Marijuana Legal Nationwide

Rescheduling marijuana does not automatically legalize it at the federal level. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and individual states continue to control how it is regulated and accessed.

In Kentucky, the medical marijuana program remains unchanged. Patients must still follow state requirements, including having an active Kentucky medical marijuana card to legally access products through licensed dispensaries.

Why Rescheduling Matters for Medical Marijuana Patients

Federal rescheduling brings meaningful benefits for medical marijuana programs, even without federal legalization.

One major impact involves federal taxes. State-licensed marijuana businesses have been restricted from using standard 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 more accessible. Since marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug, researchers faced strict limitations that made studies difficult to conduct. Removing those barriers allows for deeper 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 medical guidance, treatment options, and outcomes for patients.

What This Means for Kentucky Patients

For Kentucky patients, daily access does not change right now. The state’s medical marijuana framework remains in place, and patients must continue to follow Kentucky law.

What this update provides is progress. Federal recognition of marijuana’s medical value supports the long-term growth and credibility of Kentucky’s program. It also helps normalize medical marijuana as a legitimate treatment option within the healthcare system, which can support education, societal acceptance, and future improvements.

Patients are encouraged to stay informed and maintain an active medical marijuana card to access marijuana now.

Additional Hemp-Related Review Included in the Order

The executive order also directs federal agencies to review existing hemp laws. This is especially relevant as hemp products remain subject to federal restrictions, and lawmakers continue debating limits on intoxicating hemp-derived items.

The review aims to improve access to full-spectrum CBD that does not produce 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, while still maintaining oversight through existing regulatory systems.

It is also important to understand that regulated medical marijuana is different from hemp products. Medical marijuana contains therapeutic levels of THC, which plays a key role in symptom relief for many patients, especially those managing chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea, sleep disorders, and appetite loss. Hemp products, even full-spectrum options, are typically limited in strength and may not provide the same level of relief. For many patients, true medical marijuana offers more consistent, reliable, and impactful results than hemp-based alternatives alone.

The Bottom Line

Federal marijuana rescheduling is a major step forward for medical patients. It officially acknowledges marijuana’s medical value at the federal level and removes long-standing barriers that have limited research and progress.

While this change does not legalize marijuana nationwide, it creates a stronger foundation for medical programs like Kentucky’s. As policies continue to evolve, patients who stay compliant with state law and informed about program updates will be best positioned to benefit from future developments.

Access Medical Marijuana in Kentucky Now!

Medical marijuana is finally here, Kentucky, so get your marijuana card now!

Schedule your appointment today to get your marijuana card and start accessing Kentucky dispensaries as they open across the state.

Don’t wait—schedule your appointment and start your journey toward relief. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the program and dispensaries!

---

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Kentucky 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 Kentucky’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (833) 781-6360 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!

Want the latest insights and what’s next for Kentucky’s program? Sign up for our newsletter!