Trump Administration Reportedly Weighs Reclassification of Several Controlled Substances

April 23 , 2026

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a policy proposal that would reclassify marijuana, psilocybin, and fentanyl under federal drug scheduling laws, according to sources familiar with internal discussions.

The substances are currently listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, a category reserved for drugs deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The reported proposal would move them to Schedule III, a classification that acknowledges potential medical applications while still maintaining regulatory controls.

While no formal announcement has been made, individuals briefed on the matter say the discussions are part of a broader review of federal drug policy, including criminal justice implications, pharmaceutical research, and public health strategy.

The potential reclassification of marijuana has been debated for years, with advocates citing expanding legalization at the state level and growing evidence of therapeutic use. Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, has also drawn attention in recent years for its possible role in treating conditions such as depression and PTSD, though it remains federally restricted.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a significant portion of overdose deaths in the United States, presents a more complex case. While it has accepted medical uses in pain management, its illicit distribution has contributed to a nationwide public health crisis.

Policy analysts suggest that reclassification could affect research funding, prescribing practices, and criminal penalties. However, they caution that such changes would require coordination between federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as potential input from Congress.

Olivia Asher