For years, marijuana has carried the weight of being one of America’s most tightly restricted substances.
Yet, behind the scenes in Washington, that long-standing narrative appears to be shifting in unexpected ways.
With Donald Trump hinting at a possible reclassification and federal agencies moving cautiously toward change, the national debate has reignited—forcing many to ask whether this once-vilified plant is finally on the verge of losing its “dangerous” label. Still, some wonder: is this about science, or politics?
Donald Trump has recently floated the idea of reconsidering how marijuana is categorized under federal law. While the majority of states already allow medical cannabis—and nearly half also permit recreational use—it remains illegal nationwide.
At present, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, the government’s strictest tier, a designation it received in the 1970s when it was branded highly addictive and unsafe. If the Department of Justice secures approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), cannabis could be moved to Schedule II, which comes with fewer restrictions.
How marijuana affects users
Cannabis can produce different effects depending on strain, dosage, and method of intake. Smoking typically triggers noticeable effects within minutes, while edibles take much longer—anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—since they must first pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Once THC—the main psychoactive compound—circulates, it can increase heart rate by 20 to 50 beats per minute, an effect that may last for hours, according to WebMD. The dilation of blood vessels commonly causes the trademark red eyes. By around 20 minutes, smokers usually reach full THC absorption, while edible users must wait longer as the liver metabolizes the compound.
This process activates reward pathways in the brain, producing feelings of calm and euphoria. However, some people experience the opposite, with heightened anxiety, restlessness, or even panic.
THC is also responsible for the “munchies,” as it stimulates the olfactory system, enhancing taste and smell, which tricks the brain into thinking you’re hungry even if you’ve just eaten.
Most users reach peak intoxication about half an hour after consumption, with the high typically lasting five to six hours depending on intake. Yet lingering effects, like reduced attention and impaired judgment, may last up to a full day. Concentrated methods such as dabbing or using water pipes often create a stronger but shorter high, usually between one and three hours.
The road to reclassification
In May, the Justice Department confirmed that the Attorney General had submitted a proposed rule change to the Federal Register, formally kicking off the process of reevaluating marijuana’s classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The department reminded the public that cannabis has been in Schedule I since 1970, when Congress passed the CSA.
On October 6, 2022, President Biden directed both the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a scientific review of marijuana’s status.
After HHS shared its findings in August 2023, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued legal guidance. With both scientific evidence and legal opinion in hand, the Attorney General exercised authority to initiate proceedings that could ultimately move marijuana to Schedule II.
Trump’s stance
When asked about the matter on August 11, Trump acknowledged the issue but offered a measured response:
“We’re looking at it. Some people are in favor, some people are strongly against it—many oppose marijuana entirely because of its harm to children and even adults. But we’re reviewing reclassification, and a decision will be made in the coming weeks—hopefully the right one.”
What reclassification might mean
Moving cannabis to a lower schedule could dramatically expand legal access, making it easier to obtain through regulated markets instead of illicit ones. Dr. Carl Hart, a neuroscientist and psychologist at Columbia University, explained that regulation tends to draw consumers away from underground sales:
“When a substance becomes legal, most people prefer the regulated market simply because it’s more accessible. The illegal trade tends to shrink considerably.”
Conclusion
America may be standing at the edge of a major turning point in drug policy. Trump’s public acknowledgment of reclassification has intensified debate over whether the driving force will be science, politics, or sheer public demand. A shift to Schedule II would not only open the door for expanded research and medical applications but could also weaken the black market and redefine the nation’s relationship with cannabis. The next few weeks may reveal whether marijuana continues as a relic of prohibition or steps into a new era of legitimacy.