White House confirms: Trump to address cannabis reclassification this Thursday (18)

A White House spokesperson confirmed to Marijuana Moment that President Donald Trump is expected to address the reclassification of cannabis this Thursday. While the U.S. government is handling the details with caution, sources close to the planning indicate imminent changes.

The expectation is that the president will sign an executive order instructing the transfer of the plant from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The announcement is scheduled to take place around 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time (3:30 p.m. Brasília time).

According to backstage information, Trump is expected to be accompanied by industry representatives and cannabis movement members during the signing.

Officially, however, the administration remains discreet about the cannabis reclassification. "Any details about this possible action, until officially announced by the White House, are mere speculation," said the spokesperson.

Impacts of cannabis reclassification and banking access

If confirmed, the change to Schedule III would acknowledge the plant's medicinal value. This would reduce its potential for abuse under federal law, equating it to substances with fewer restrictions than heroin, for example.

In addition to cannabis reclassification, the executive order is expected to push Congress to approve the SAFE Banking Act (Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act). The measure aims to prevent federal regulators from penalizing banks for providing services to licensed companies in states. This is a longstanding demand of the sector, which faces operational financial difficulties.

Another point under discussion involves cannabidiol (CBD). It is speculated that the order will request changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations. The goal would be to allow reimbursement for CBD-based products to Medicare beneficiaries, aligning with Trump's recent statements about the compound's benefits.

Political repercussions of the measure

The possible administrative measure generates mixed reactions in Washington regarding cannabis reclassification. On Monday, Trump stated that he is taking the issue "very seriously," citing the facilitation of medical research. The change would also allow sector companies to obtain federal tax deductions, currently prohibited.

However, the initiative faces resistance. Republican Congressman Andy Harris, a critic of legalization, argued that the president would not have the authority to unilaterally reclassify the substance. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of overturning the measure in Congress.

Among Democrats, Senator Ron Wyden classified the possible action as a political strategy. He believes the intention would be merely to increase popular approval, arguing that the reform would be insufficient.

Context of the presidential decision

The move comes after strategic meetings earlier in the week. The Washington Post reported that Trump met with industry executives in the Oval Office. Also present were Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz.

During the meeting, the president reportedly contacted House Speaker Mike Johnson, who expressed opposition to the measure. If implemented, cannabis reclassification would represent the most significant change in U.S. federal drug policy in half a century.

With information from Marijuana Moment