Recently, the Trump administration announced two major changes in the realm of drug research and regulation by reclassifying marijuana and easing restrictions related to psychedelics.
Marijuana rescheduled to Schedule III drug
On April 23, the Department of Justice announced the issuance of a final rule rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance. This follows a Dec. 18 executive order by President Trump instructing the change.
This action by the DOJ immediately places FDA-approved products containing marijuana and marijuana products under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, pending these products are regulated by a state medical marijuana license. Now, administrative hearings through the Drug Enforcement Agency will begin on June 29 to consider the broader rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
The impact of this decision is one of the most significant in marijuana policy in nearly 30 years. While marijuana is still federally illegal, this action lessens state restrictions on marijuana, downgrades its risk for addiction, potentially reduces penalties for violation of federal laws, and allows the FDA to research medical uses for cannabis products. Now, in the name of “consistency,” nearly 40 state-based medical marijuana programs will be able to more freely operate.
What does it mean for a drug to be classified as Schedule III?
This classification change is intended to allow for more research and quality control of marijuana that is used for medical purposes.
As a Schedule III controlled substance, marijuana supposedly is now deemed to have a lower addiction risk, despite studies showing 30% of marijuana users develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). CUD is an addiction-based dependence on marijuana, for which the odds increase the earlier in life a person begins using marijuana.
Additionally, marijuana businesses will now have access to federal tax breaks and business deductions, funneling significantly more money into the predatory industry.
Trump executive order on psychedelics
In similar fashion, on April 18, the Trump administration issued an executive order to allow access to and medical research for psychedelic use for individuals with “serious mental illnesses.” Psychedelics are currently Schedule I substances, with no acceptable use in medicine. This unconventional action states that on a case-by-case basis, psychedelic drugs may be rescheduled for clinical research and use, pending authorization from FDA.
Forthcoming guidance from the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs is expected to clarify the order.
How has the ERLC advocated on this issue?
In 2024, the Biden administration attempted to reschedule marijuana through proposed rulemaking, which the ERLC opposed through filing public comments. In those comments, the ERLC expressed Southern Baptists’ concerns about the public health dangers of marijuana and the negative impacts it has on individuals, families, and society.
In 2025, in advance of President Trump announcing his executive order, the ERLC privately urged the Trump administration to reconsider rescheduling marijuana, as it would negatively impact the flourishing of individuals, families, and society, a priority of evangelicals that President Trump has supported. We articulated that a federal move to reschedule marijuana sends the wrong signal to our communities about the safety of marijuana and encourages consumers to ignore the many health harms associated with this drug.
Furthermore, in 2025, the ERLC opposed surgeon general nominee Dr. Casey Means’ nomination in large part due to her ongoing experimentation with psilocybin, a psychedelic drug.
The ERLC opposes these actions and will continue to advocate for necessary federal safeguards related to illicit drug use and research.
Why do drug-related policies matter to Southern Baptists?
In 1973, messengers to the annual Southern Baptist Convention passed a “Resolution on Alcohol and Other Drugs.” In this resolution, Southern Baptists expressed a desire to “restrain commercial promotion” of harmful and addictive drugs, including marijuana. The rescheduling of marijuana—and psychedelics—does exactly the opposite, making body-altering and addictive substances more available, socially acceptable, and falsely benign in an effort to permit further use. The ongoing drug abuse epidemic is detrimental to the stability of a well-functioning society, with profound impacts on historically vulnerable communities. Any efforts to normalize and make harmful illegal substances more acceptable is counterproductive to the flourishing of our neighbors.
Southern Baptists affirm and uphold the proper rule of law and desire the government to enforce our laws equally and justly. When states are not only permitted but encouraged to enact laws in violation of existing federal law and the federal government takes steps to reduce enforcement of its laws, it undermines the government’s responsibility to carry out this vital function.
