Executive Order 14370—Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research
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 directs the federal government to increase research into medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD). The President believes Americans deserve access to the best medical treatments and research infrastructure, citing that the FDA has found scientific support for using marijuana to treat conditions like anorexia, nausea and vomiting, and chronic pain. Currently, federal drug control policies have hindered research on marijuana’s safety and effectiveness, despite the fact that 40 states and D.C. have medical marijuana programs and over 30,000 healthcare practitioners are authorized to recommend it for more than 6 million patients.
The order stems from a recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that marijuana be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This change acknowledges that medical marijuana has a currently accepted medical use, supported by findings from the FDA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The Department of Justice has proposed a rule to reschedule marijuana, but it is currently under review with extensive public comment received.
This action aims to provide doctors and patients with better guidance on using marijuana for medical purposes, particularly for those seeking alternative relief from chronic pain and other ailments. The order highlights that a delay in research has impacted Americans, especially veterans and seniors, who report reduced opioid use as a result of using medical marijuana.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 14370 addresses "Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research". The President's stated reasoning: "rapidly assess the health outcomes of medical marijuana and legal CBD products while focusing on long-term health effects in vulnerable populations like adolescents and young adults." 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
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