In a move aimed at expanding scientific understanding of cannabis, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that could significantly ease restrictions on medical marijuana research. The order accelerates the long-pending process of reclassifying cannabis under federal law, potentially opening the door to broader studies on marijuana and CBD for conditions such as chronic pain.

Announcing the decision from the Oval Office, Trump described the step as “common sense,” while making it clear that it does not legalise marijuana for recreational use. “It doesn’t legalize marijuana in any way, shape or form, and in no way sanctions its use as a recreational drug,” he said. He also cautioned against casual use of controlled substances, stressing that drugs should only be used when prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.

Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under US law, placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD — drugs deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The executive order directs federal agencies to move cannabis to Schedule III, a category that includes substances such as Tylenol with codeine and testosterone, which are considered to have moderate to low potential for dependence.

The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to complete the formal rescheduling process and publish a final rule, a procedure that has already been under review for more than a year. If finalised, the shift would reduce regulatory hurdles and make it easier for the US Food and Drug Administration to conduct and approve research into cannabis-based therapies.

According to senior administration officials, the primary goal is to “remove barriers to research” and close the gap between widespread medical marijuana use and the limited scientific evidence available to guide patients and doctors. The order explicitly states that increasing research into medical marijuana and CBD is critical to better understanding both their benefits and potential risks.

The directive also places special emphasis on cannabidiol, or CBD — a non-intoxicating compound derived from hemp. It calls on the White House to work with Congress to ensure access to safe CBD products while restricting those that could pose health risks.

Officials say expanded research could eventually improve access to cannabis-based treatments, particularly for groups such as seniors and military veterans, regardless of varying state-level marijuana laws.

The move has drawn cautious praise from some lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described it as “a step in the right direction,” while noting that broader reforms are still needed, including addressing the long-term impacts of past drug policies and banking restrictions affecting the cannabis industry.

Public opinion appears to be shifting in favour of reform. A Gallup poll released in November found that 64 percent of US adults believe marijuana use should be legal, underscoring growing support for changes to the country’s decades-old cannabis laws.

While the executive order stops short of legalisation, it marks a significant policy shift, signalling a greater federal focus on evidence-based research and the medical potential of cannabis.