Trump weighs executive order loosening federal marijuana rules
President Donald Trump is considering an order to reclassify marijuana, easing restrictions and expanding research opportunities.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, Dec. 18, reclassifying marijuana under federal law, a move that could affect medical research, criminal penalties and state marijuana programs nationwide.
The reclassification marks a major shift in how the federal government views marijuana after more than five decades.
Since 1970, marijuana has been listed as a Schedule I drug, a category reserved for substances the Drug Enforcement Administration says have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Other Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD and ecstasy.
By moving marijuana to Schedule III, the federal government now recognizes that the drug has accepted medical uses and a lower risk of abuse compared with Schedule I substances. Schedule III drugs are described by the DEA as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.
The executive order says the change is meant to better reflect scientific evidence and the experiences of millions of Americans who use marijuana for medical purposes.
What does this mean for states like Alabama? Is cannabis legal in Alabama? Here’s what to know.
Has Alabama legalized recreational marijuana?
No, Alabama does not allow adult-use of cannabis.
According to NORML, possession for personal use, even under an ounce, is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail or up to a $6,000 fine.
Possession for other than personal use in any amount is punishable as a felony with penalties of 1.5 to 5 years in jail and up to $15,000 in fines.
Does Alabama allow marijuana medically?
After nearly five years of bureaucratic setbacks and debate, Alabama is finally advancing its medical cannabis program.
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approved licenses last week for four companies: RJK Holdings, CCS of Alabama, GP6 Wellness and Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries, potentially paving the way for up to 12 dispensaries to open next year.
Alabama allows marijuana for medical purposes only. Registered patients that are approved for medical cannabis can have up to 70 doses at a time, with each dose limited to 50 milligrams during the first 90 days. State rules ban smokable cannabis and edibles. Instead, products must come as capsules, tablets, tinctures, gels or similar forms. Inhalers and topical creams are also allowed. Patients under 18 years of age are limited to low-THC options.
Where could the 12 dispensaries open in Alabama?
Alabama’s first medical marijuana dispensaries are set to open across the state, according to al.com. GP6 Wellness will operate in Birmingham, Athens, and Attalla; RJK Holdings in Oxford, Mobile, and Daphne; CCS of Alabama in Montgomery, Cullman, and Talladega; and Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries in Birmingham, Demopolis, and Owens Cross Roads.
The openings mark a major step forward in the state’s long-delayed medical cannabis program.
What states have legalized recreational marijuana?
According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the 24 states to legalize marijuana:
- Washington (as of 2012)
- Alaska (as of 2014)
- Oregon (as of 2014)
- California (as of 2016)
- Montana (as of 2020)
- Colorado (as of 2012)
- Nevada (as of 2016)
- Arizona (as of 2020)
- New Mexico (as of 2021)
- Minnesota (as of 2023)
- Missouri (as of 2022)
- Illinois (as of 2019)
- Michigan (as of 2018)
- Ohio (as of 2023)
- Virginia (as of 2021)
- Maryland (as of 2023)
- Maine (as of 2016)
- Delaware (as of 2023)
- New Jersey (as of 2020)
- New York (as of 2021)
- Vermont (as of 2018)
- Massachusetts (as of 2016)
- Rhode Island (as of 2022)
- Connecticut (as of 2021)
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Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.
