The Pros and Cons of Rescheduling Marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States. AP News reported that in 2022, an estimated 17.7 million people reported daily marijuana use, and about 52.5 million people used it at least once in 2021.[1,2]

The debate over its legal status has been ongoing for decades, but recent federal discussions have brought it back into the spotlight. This article will explore what rescheduling marijuana means, why it is currently being considered, and the potential pros and cons of such a change.

Rescheduling Marijuana: Understanding the Issue

Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This is the most restrictive category, reserved for substances that are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse. Other drugs in this category include heroin and LSD.

The federal drug scheduling system ranges from Schedule I to Schedule V, with Schedule I being the most restricted and Schedule V being the least. Each category is based on factors like the drug’s medical uses, potential for misuse, and likelihood of causing dependence.

Marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I drug indicates that it’s highly likely to be abused, will lead to physical dependence, and that there’s no medicinal use for it. However, a growing number of states have passed legislation to legalize both recreational and medicinal marijuana, causing people to question whether or not the drug should be reclassified under the Controlled Substances Act.

Pro-marijuana advocates have been speaking out in support of rescheduling cannabis while also decriminalizing it for decades, but the topic has dominated news headlines recently after President Donald Trump announced on August 11, 2025, that his administration is considering moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.[3]

Rescheduling would not make marijuana legal nationwide, but it would change how the federal government regulates it. A move to reschedule it as a Schedule III controlled substance could allow for more medical research, change how marijuana-related businesses are taxed, and shift how the drug is treated in certain legal contexts. This is why the discussion has sparked national attention, with strong opinions on both sides.

Pros of Rescheduling Marijuana

The argument for the rescheduling of marijuana includes points such as:

More Research Opportunities

Even habit-forming drugs that are commonly associated with substance use disorders like opioids and benzodiazepines have benefits when they’re used appropriately, and are arguably a key aspect in treating a range of health conditions. However, the reason we understand these benefits is that these drugs are able to be researched.

Under Schedule I, marijuana is difficult to study because researchers must go through extensive federal approvals and use limited, government-approved sources. Moving it to Schedule III could make it easier for scientists to conduct large-scale, high-quality studies on its medical uses, risks, and long-term effects.

Potential Medical Benefits

Rescheduling means acknowledging that marijuana may have accepted medical uses. This could help patients access cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, and certain seizure disorders, depending on state laws.

Tax Relief for Cannabis-Related Businesses

Currently, marijuana businesses cannot deduct many standard business expenses due to a section of the federal tax code that applies to Schedule I and II drugs. Reclassification to Schedule III would remove this restriction, allowing these businesses to keep more of their earnings and potentially even lowering costs for consumers.

Alignment With Public Opinion

Polls show that a majority of Americans support some form of legal marijuana use, especially for medical purposes. According to Pew Research, 57% of Americans say it should be legal for both medical and recreational use, while only 11% think it should not be legal at all.[4]

Cons of Rescheduling Marijuana

Although rescheduling marijuana has clear benefits, it also has risks, and many are rightfully concerned. The argument against rescheduling and legalization includes:

Increased Public Health Concerns

Even if marijuana is classified as a Schedule III drug, it will still have health risks, especially for young people, pregnant individuals, and those with certain mental health conditions. Rescheduling does not remove these concerns. In fact, some people say it increases concerns due to easier access and a more relaxed public opinion.

Mixed Messages About the Risks of Long-Term Marijuana Use

Moving marijuana to a lower schedule may lead some people to believe it is completely safe or without risk. This perception could influence use patterns, particularly among teens and young adults, whose brains are still developing. Despite the idea that marijuana is not habit-forming, the CDC reports that about 30% of people who use it have a cannabis use disorder, and the risk of developing cannabis use disorder is greater in people who use it before the age of 18.[2]

Uncertainty About Impact on Crime

Supporters say rescheduling could reduce illicit market activity, while opponents worry it could have little effect on illegal sales or could even increase access for people who should not be using it, such as minors. Without strong enforcement and safeguards, the black market could still thrive, and substance use disorder rates could increase.

Regulatory Complexity and Concerns

Rescheduling does not address all legal barriers, such as federal restrictions on interstate cannabis commerce or banking limitations for marijuana businesses. Some legal and enforcement challenges will likely remain. As a result, businesses and individuals would still need to navigate a patchwork of different rules across the country, which can be confusing and difficult.

What This Means and Where to Seek Help

In the end, any change to marijuana’s classification would have wide-reaching effects on medicine, businesses, law enforcement, and the general public. As the federal government weighs its options, it will be important for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to balance the real concerns and risks with opportunities for progress.

If you are facing challenges related to marijuana use or are concerned about a loved one, we encourage you to find support and resources at the Addiction Prevention Coalition by visiting https://apcbham.org/findhelp/.

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