Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at enhancing research on medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) to better inform both patients and healthcare providers. The Executive Order directs the Attorney General to expedite the process of rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). This significant change will allow for a more structured approach to accessing full-spectrum CBD products while maintaining restrictions on products that may pose health risks.
Furthermore, the Order instructs the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political, and Public Affairs to collaborate with Congress on facilitating access to appropriate hemp-derived cannabinoid products. This initiative seeks to improve research methodologies that utilize real-world evidence, in compliance with federal law, to inform standards of care for patients using these products.
The rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance marks a crucial step in rectifying the federal government's long-standing delay in acknowledging the medical use of marijuana. Currently classified as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, marijuana's new classification will pave the way for improved research on its safety and efficacy. This move aligns with the 2023 recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which for the first time recognized marijuana's medical applications.
In the United States, 40 states and the District of Columbia maintain state-sanctioned, regulated medical marijuana programs. HHS found that over 30,000 licensed healthcare practitioners are authorized to recommend medical marijuana for more than six million registered patients suffering from at least 15 medical conditions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the landscape of medical marijuana and found credible scientific evidence supporting its use for treating conditions such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and chronic pain. Notably, chronic pain affects nearly one in four U.S. adults, with many utilizing medical marijuana to manage their symptoms effectively.
Despite its potential benefits, the lack of comprehensive research and FDA approval leaves patients and doctors without adequate guidance on prescribing and utilizing medical marijuana. Alarmingly, just over half of older Americans using marijuana have discussed their usage with healthcare providers. The new Schedule III status will enable research studies to incorporate real-world evidence, focusing on health outcomes related to medical marijuana and CBD products, particularly in vulnerable populations like adolescents and young adults.
President Trump’s recent actions are a significant step toward enhancing research and disseminating better information about hemp-derived cannabinoid products. These products, primarily containing CBD, are not classified as controlled substances under the CSA; however, their unclear regulatory status limits product consistency and consumer protections. Many Americans frequently use hemp-derived cannabinoid products to improve symptoms associated with common health conditions.
Interestingly, one in five U.S. adults and nearly 15% of seniors reported using CBD in the past year. Clinical studies have indicated that chronic pain patients experience improvements with CBD usage. However, the current legal landscape surrounding CBD products, coupled with recent changes affecting full-spectrum CBD products, has left patients and doctors seeking clarity and guidance. Legislative solutions and innovative research methodologies are essential to improving access and informing standards of care.
President Trump is dedicated to ensuring that seniors, veterans, and all Americans have access to the best medical treatments and research infrastructure available. Recently, he announced five agreements with major pharmaceutical manufacturers aimed at aligning prices with those in other developed nations, providing substantial price relief for numerous products used by millions of Americans.
In February, President Trump signed an Executive Order ensuring that patients receive clear, accurate price information before accessing care. Further, in April, the HHS and FDA announced measures to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply. In May, President Trump signed an Executive Order designed to improve care options for veterans, including reduced wait times through expanded appointment availability and virtual healthcare services.
Additionally, the Administration has implemented high standards of scientific rigor in policymaking to restore public trust and ensure that decisions are informed by scientific findings. In July, President Trump signed the historic Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which includes a groundbreaking $50 billion investment in transforming healthcare in rural communities. This law also expanded access to Health Savings Accounts, empowering millions of Americans to take control of their healthcare expenses while increasing access to Direct Primary Care.
Through these initiatives, the Trump Administration is committed to accelerating the approval and availability of safe and effective medicines, thereby enriching the healthcare landscape for all Americans.