Remarks on Signing an Executive Order on Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research and an Exchange With Reporters
Issued 2025-12-18 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This executive order will change how marijuana is classified by rescheduling it from Schedule I to Schedule III as a controlled substance. This means that medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) will be treated differently, with the goal of allowing more seniors and veterans to access these products for conditions like pain, incurable diseases, and seizure disorders. The President believes many people have been requesting this action for decades and that it will significantly improve the lives of those suffering from serious medical problems.
The order is being supported by a group of prominent medical professionals, including Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Dr. Nora Volkow. Importantly, the executive order clarifies that this action does not legalize marijuana for recreational use and emphasizes the importance of consulting with a doctor before using any controlled substances.
The President highlighted that many people, including veterans and older adults, are seeking alternatives to opioid painkillers due to the damage they can cause. The goal is to provide a safer option for those experiencing significant pain and other medical challenges, with 40 states already having some form of medical marijuana program.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This executive order addresses "Remarks on Signing an Executive Order on Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research and an Exchange With Reporters". The President's stated reasoning: "seniors can access CBD products they have found beneficial for pain and other reasons." Executive orders are a long-established exercise of presidential power, used by every President since George Washington. They are grounded in Article II of the Constitution, which vests executive power in the President and directs them to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."
Executive orders cannot create new law, contradict existing federal statutes, or exceed the President's constitutional authority. The legitimacy of any specific order depends on whether it operates within statutory authority Congress has delegated, directs the executive branch on matters within its constitutional purview, or attempts to substitute executive policy for legislative choices. Courts can and do review executive orders for conformity with the Constitution and federal law.
Official Summary
DCPD202501205 * {margin:0; padding:0; text-indent:0; } .s1 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 12pt; } h1 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; font-size: 12pt; } .s2 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 11pt; } .p, p { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 11pt; margin:0pt; } .s3 { color: black; font-family:"Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-size: 9pt; } Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2025 Remarks on Signing an Executive Order on Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research and an Exchange With Reporters December 18, 2025 The President. Well, this is a big day and many reasons—really, for many reasons. And I have a very distinguished group of people behind me, mostly medical people and brilliant people, and they really know what they're doing. <p style="padding-top: 5pt;padding-left: 5pt;text-indent: