Cannabis Rescheduling: What a New Executive Order Could Mean for Utah

The conversation around cannabis policy took another important step forward last week with the signing of a new executive order by President Trump. The order directs the Attorney General to move more quickly on rescheduling cannabis under federal law, a change that could have meaningful implications for patients, providers, and states like Utah. Here’s what we know so far, what remains uncertain, and what this could mean moving forward.

What We Know

The executive order instructs the Attorney General to expedite the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This shift would represent a major change in how cannabis is classified at the federal level.

Currently, Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule III substances, by contrast, are recognized as having medical value and a moderate to low potential for physical or psychological dependence. If cannabis is officially rescheduled, it would signal federal acknowledgment of its medical use.

That said, it’s important to understand that this order does not create immediate change. Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the authority to reschedule substances lies with the Department of Justice and the Attorney General, not the President.

What We Don’t Know Yet

At this point, there is no clear timeline for when the rescheduling process will be completed. Even with direction to act “in the most expeditious manner,” formal rulemaking can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

There is also uncertainty at the state level. How Utah lawmakers may respond to a federal rescheduling of cannabis remains to be seen, and any state-level changes would require legislative action. As of now, it is unknown how or what changes state lawmakers will want to act on when the rescheduling becomes official.

What to Expect Moving Forward

While many questions remain, some outcomes are widely anticipated if rescheduling takes effect. One major benefit would be expanded research opportunities. Rescheduling would reduce regulatory barriers, making it easier for researchers to study cannabis and its medical applications.

Another significant change could be eased banking regulations. Under current federal law, many standard business deductions are unavailable to cannabis operators, and cannabis operators must pay many fees during transactions. With those restrictions easing, we would be able to pass those savings onto our patients. Under current federal law, many standard business deductions are unavailable to cannabis operators. Rescheduling could ease these restrictions, allowing providers to reinvest more resources into patient care and community support.

Our Commitment to Patients

Regardless of how or when these changes unfold, Dragonfly Wellness remains focused on what matters most, our patients and our community. We will continue to prioritize safe access, education, and compassionate care, just as we have since the beginning.

We’ll continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as more information becomes available.