The American Nurses Association (ANA) has reiterated its stance on the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to III.
On December 18 this year, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I, a category that includes drugs like heroin, to Schedule III
President Trump said it is the policy of his Administration to boost medical marijuana and CBD (cannabidiol) research to better inform patients and doctors; something much more difficult when a substance is (and in this case incorrectly) on the Schedule I controlled substances list.
But the potential shift to Schedule III didn’t start with President Trump. It was his predecessor Joe Biden who in 2022 signalled he was to request the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to commence an administrative process to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
The announcement was well-received. A poll conducted not long after found 72% of respondents supported changing how federal law classifies marijuana so it is no longer classified as a Schedule I drug.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) was among the organisations welcoming Biden’s announcement. ANA has been championing the interests of registered nurses for more than 125 years. Founded in 1896, it has members in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
In 2024, the ANA published its official position; saying rescheduling would allow full research into medical cannabis treatment benefits, and allow nurses and other health care practitioners to provide the best patient care possible. But furthermore, the ANA said cannabis should ultimately be removed from CSA scheduling altogether.
On December 18 2025, the ANA published a statement on President Trump’s Executive Order, saying rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III will advances public health by expanding access to rigorous research, supporting evidence-informed clinical care, and reinforcing patient safety through regulated study and oversight.
“ANA supports the President’s executive order rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act,” says part of the statement.
The Association said it has long supported evidence-based research into the therapeutic use of cannabis
“This action reflects scientific review and acknowledges evidence demonstrating that cannabis has accepted medical use and a safety profile consistent with Schedule III classification,” states the ANA. “Clearer alignment between federal policy and medical practice supports more consistent guidance for health care professionals and patients while strengthening oversight and data collection.”
