Recently, the Washington Post reported that President Trump plans to issue an executive order asking the Justice Department to reclassify marijuana under Schedule III. Consideration of this move began under President Biden.

While it would not legalize cannabis, reclassification would recognize that marijuana has accepted medical uses — as 47 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia have already acknowledged. Reclassification would reduce regulatory and tax burdens on cannabis and could reignite congressional efforts to pass the SAFER Banking Act, which would let banks and other financial companies work with marijuana-related businesses.

Matthew Cavedon, Director of the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice, has written on potential reclassification and is available to discuss the proposed rescheduling as well as other current issues in marijuana policy. Contact Christopher Tarvardian to schedule an interview.