President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi in a shock move yesterday, but experts say this Justice Department shakeup will not slow the push to move marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Trump himself ordered the change last year to boost medical research and ease rules. Cannabis businesses and patients watch closely as the process moves forward without delay.
Trump announced Bondi’s ouster on Truth Social late Thursday. He praised her but said she heads to a private sector job soon. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche steps in as acting AG right away.
Bondi led the department for 14 months after Senate confirmation in February 2025. Her time drew fire for firing career staff and mixing politics into probes. Trump grew frustrated over slow action on key files like Epstein documents.
The cannabis rescheduling effort stands apart from these issues. Bondi faced heat from a Democratic congressman last week for delays. Rep. Steve Cohen demanded updates from her and DEA head Terry Cole on Trump’s December order.
One short sentence sums it up. The firing marks Trump’s second Cabinet boot in weeks.
Trump’s Order Sparks Cannabis Shift
Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025, to speed marijuana’s reclassification. It calls on the attorney general to finish the rulemaking fast under federal law.
The order highlights medical benefits. It notes FDA findings on marijuana for pain, nausea, and anorexia. Chronic pain hits one in four adults, and six in ten medical users seek relief from it.
Marijuana jumps from Schedule I, with no accepted medical use, to Schedule III, which allows research and prescriptions. This builds on a 2024 DOJ proposal that got 43,000 comments. Trump’s push aims to fix decades of research blocks.
Patients stand to gain big. Veterans cut opioid use by 20 percent with medical marijuana in one survey. Seniors report better pain control too.
Rescheduling Process Hits Key Marks
The rulemaking rolls on at DOJ despite the leadership swap. Industry insiders see action soon, maybe in 30 to 60 days.
Blanche knows the file well. He helped draft the final rule as deputy. Experts like Brian Vicente of Vicente LLP say Trump’s directive ensures steady progress.
A recent snag hit when the DEA’s hearing judge retired. Cohen’s letter pressed for a timeline and fixes. No word back yet, but momentum builds.
CMS also launched a CBD pilot for Medicare. Five groups applied to cover low-THC products. This ties into broader reform.
| Schedule Comparison | Schedule I (Current) | Schedule III (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Use | None accepted | Accepted for treatment |
| Abuse Potential | High | Moderate or low |
| Research Barriers | Severe | Easier access |
| Tax Code 280E | Full deductions banned | Normal business taxes |
This table shows the big changes ahead.
Industry Braces for Tax Wins and Growth
Legal cannabis hit rough patches lately, but rescheduling offers hope. Whitney Economics forecasts $30.5 billion in U.S. sales for 2026, up 5 percent.
Twenty-four states now allow recreational use, with 40 plus D.C. for medical. More may join soon, like Idaho for medical.
Section 280E taxes crush businesses now by blocking deductions. Schedule III ends that pain, freeing cash for growth.
Operators like Jushi Holdings met White House budget staff on rules. Trent Woloveck welcomes Blanche’s quick grasp.
Challenges loom. Groups like Smart Approaches to Marijuana plan suits. Still, reform feels inevitable.
- Tax savings could top billions yearly for firms.
- Research surges on pain and nausea treatments.
- Doctors get better data on dosing for seniors.
- Interstate trade edges closer, but slowly.
Patients feel the daily impact. One in five adults tried CBD last year for relief.
This shift touches everyday lives. Folks managing pain without heavy opioids cheer quietly. Families see safer options emerge.
The road to Schedule III looks clear now. Trump’s firm hand keeps the process on rails, even amid DOJ drama. Patients, businesses, and researchers stand to win big from smarter rules backed by science. It brings hope to millions seeking real relief.