3 drug policy questions to watch in 2026

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Source: STAT News

Original: https://www.statnews.com/2025/12/24/3-drug-policy-questions-to-watch-in-2026/?ut...

Published: Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The Trump administration has shown great interest in promoting psychedelics as a therapy and also in cannabis. President Donald Trump has stated that his administration is considering reclassifying cannabis as a less dangerous drug. Trump said this in an interview with reporters at the White House, adding that he will make a decision on the legal classification of the drug in the coming weeks. Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, which puts it in the same category as heroin, LSD and ecstasy. Schedule I drugs are defined by the Drug Policy Administration as those that have no accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. At the federal level, possession and use of cannabis is illegal, although it is fully legal, including recreational use, in 24 U.S. states. Former President Joe Biden proposed reclassifying cannabis as Schedule III, which indicates a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, but did not push for this change before leaving office[1].