President Donald Trump’s bold move to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug has opened doors for groundbreaking medical advances. At the center stands Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve Cannabis Corp., who eyes a new time-release product to ease Parkinson’s disease symptoms. This change could transform lives, but what does it mean for patients and the industry?
On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that shifted marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This places it alongside drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids, which have accepted medical uses but carry some risk of dependence.
This reclassification marks the biggest U.S. drug policy shift since 1971. It eases strict federal rules that have long blocked research. Now, scientists can study cannabis more freely, potentially leading to new treatments.
The order directs the attorney general to speed up the process. While it doesn’t legalize marijuana nationwide, it removes big barriers. For companies like Trulieve, this means easier access to banking, tax breaks, and research funding.
Advocates say this step paves the way for full descheduling and eventual national legalization. Business leaders point out that deeper research could prove marijuana’s benefits, pushing for more reforms.
Trulieve’s Push for Parkinson’s Innovation
Kim Rivers leads Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a major player in medical cannabis based in Florida. With Trump’s policy in place, her team aims to develop a time-release marijuana product tailored for Parkinson’s patients.
Parkinson’s disease affects millions, causing tremors, stiffness, and movement issues. Current treatments help manage symptoms but don’t cure the condition. Cannabis has shown promise in easing tremors and improving quality of life, based on early studies.
Rivers sees this as a game-changer for sufferers. In a recent interview, she highlighted how rescheduling boosts research into cannabis-based medicines. Trulieve plans to create a product that releases active compounds slowly, offering steady relief without frequent dosing.
This isn’t just talk. The company operates in multiple states and has invested heavily in medical cannabis. With fewer federal hurdles, they can now pursue clinical trials more aggressively.
One key benefit: Schedule III status allows for Medicare pilots on CBD and other cannabis derivatives. This could make treatments more affordable for older patients, many of whom battle Parkinson’s.
Research Boom and Path to Legalization
The shift to Schedule III is expected to spark a surge in cannabis studies. For decades, tight rules limited what researchers could do. Now, experts predict great leaps in understanding marijuana’s medical potential.
A report from MJBizDaily, published December 29, 2025, notes that rescheduling centers on research. It could answer lingering questions about safety and effectiveness.
For Parkinson’s, anecdotal evidence is strong. Videos and patient stories show THC, a key cannabis compound, quickly reducing tremors. One study from 2024, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado, found that medical cannabis improved motor symptoms in 70% of participants with Parkinson’s. The research involved 50 patients over six months.
But full legalization might follow only after solid data emerges. Advocates argue that proving benefits for conditions like Parkinson’s will build public support. Business groups estimate the industry could grow by 25% in the next year due to easier operations.
Here are some immediate changes from rescheduling:
- Easier banking for cannabis firms, reducing cash-only risks.
- Tax deductions that were previously blocked.
- More federal grants for studies on diseases like Parkinson’s.
Not everything changes overnight. Marijuana remains illegal to transport across state lines, and full descheduling needs more steps.
Challenges and Broader Impacts
While exciting, the policy faces hurdles. Critics worry about increased access leading to misuse, especially among youth. Schedule III drugs still require prescriptions, but enforcement varies by state.
For patients, this means hope tempered with patience. Trulieve’s time-release product is in early stages, with clinical trials likely starting in 2026. Rivers estimates it could take two to three years to reach the market.
The economic ripple is huge. Cannabis stocks jumped after Trump’s announcement, with Trulieve shares rising 15% in a day. This boosts jobs in farming, research, and retail.
On a personal level, families dealing with Parkinson’s feel a spark of optimism. One support group in Florida reported a 30% increase in inquiries about cannabis options since the policy change.
| Aspect | Before Rescheduling | After Rescheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Research Access | Severely limited | Greatly expanded |
| Medical Use | Mostly state-level | Federal recognition possible |
| Business Impact | High taxes, banking issues | Tax breaks, easier financing |
| Patient Benefits | Anecdotal evidence only | Path to approved treatments |
This table shows how the change flips the script for the industry and patients alike.
The move also ties into broader health trends. With an aging population, demand for non-opioid pain relief grows. Cannabis could fill that gap, reducing reliance on addictive drugs.
This policy shift by President Trump not only eases federal grip on cannabis but also lights a path for innovations like Trulieve’s Parkinson’s product, promising better days for millions. It blends business savvy with medical hope, showing how one decision can ripple through lives.