Will Marijuana Be Reclassified Federally As a Less Dangerous Drug? Here’s Where President Trump Stands and What It Means for Nebraska

The federal conversation around marijuana is heating up, and Nebraska patients may soon feel the effects. President Trump’s administration will soon decide on whether to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. This decision could reshape the medical landscape for Nebraska, where a medical marijuana program was recently approved.

Trump’s Position on Marijuana Rescheduling

President Trump has confirmed that his administration is actively considering moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This would be a historic shift, as Schedule I currently classifies marijuana alongside heroin and LSD, labeling it as a drug with “no accepted medical use.”

Reclassification to Schedule III would officially acknowledge marijuana’s medical value and reduce some of the strictest barriers patients, researchers, and businesses face today.

What Schedule III Would Mean

If marijuana is reclassified, it would still not legalize recreational use nationwide. Instead, rescheduling would:

• Recognize marijuana’s accepted medical benefits.

• Lower criminal penalties tied to marijuana at the federal level.

• Allow researchers greater access for medical studies.

• Ease restrictions on banking and taxation for marijuana-related businesses.

This shift would be significant for state programs like Nebraska’s, which are still in the early stages of development.

Nebraska’s Medical Marijuana Program

In November 2024, Nebraska voters approved medical marijuana, and the program became official in December 2024, but the state's program hasn't fully launched yet. The law allows patients with qualifying conditions to access marijuana through a regulated medical system.

The qualifying conditions include: 

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Autism with frequent or severe self-injurious or aggressive behavior

• Cancer

• Chronic or severe pain

• Crohn’s disease

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• Hepatitis C (with nausea or cachexia)

• HIV/AIDS

• Huntington’s disease

• Parkinson’s disease

• PTSD

• Severe muscle spasms

• Spinal cord injury

• Tourette's syndrome

• Ulcerative colitis

• Serious conditions causing severe nausea or cachexia

• Any terminal illness with a possible life expectancy of less than one year

Recreational use remains illegal in Nebraska, so patients must obtain a medical marijuana card to participate in the program. However, the medical program has not yet launched, meaning patients cannot be seen by physicians or visit dispensaries at this time.

How Rescheduling Could Impact Nebraska Patients

If marijuana moves to Schedule III, Nebraska’s medical marijuana system could benefit in several ways:

• Expanded Research: Universities and healthcare providers in Nebraska would have more opportunities to study medical applications.

• Financial Relief: Businesses within the program may qualify for standard tax deductions, helping to keep costs manageable.

• Greater Access and Legitimacy: Patients would benefit from stronger recognition of marijuana as a legitimate medical treatment.

• Improved Infrastructure: Banking and investment in the industry would be less restricted, helping dispensaries and growers establish more reliable systems for patients.

What Won’t Change

It’s important to remember that rescheduling is not legalization. Recreational marijuana will remain illegal at both the federal level and in Nebraska. Patients must still meet state requirements and maintain a valid medical marijuana card to access dispensaries when they open.

Final Thoughts

President Trump’s decision could mark one of the biggest shifts in marijuana policy in decades. For Nebraska, the move would provide credibility and resources for its new medical marijuana program while strengthening patient access in the long term.

Still, only medical marijuana will be permitted in the state. Patients who qualify should consider applying for their medical marijuana card when the program launches to ensure they are ready to benefit from the program as it rolls out.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana

We're excited to help you get approved for medical marijuana as soon as Nebraska rolls out the medical marijuana program. It shouldn't be much longer! 

Our telemedicine appointments provide an easy and convenient way for you to meet with our doctors and receive a medical marijuana recommendation, all from the comfort of your own home!

Don’t delay! Reserve an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate marijuana doctors! We’ll set up an appointment for you just as soon as Nebraska's medical marijuana market is up and running. You’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation when you reserve your appointment today! 

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.