NORML Deputy Director: Trump Rescheduling 'Falls Short' of Full Reform

The Trump administration's move to reclassify medical cannabis and recognize state-licensed providers marks federal policy's first major shift in over half a century—but it doesn't solve the fundamental conflict between state and federal law, according to NORML's Deputy Director.

Paul Armentano, writing in an op-ed for Marijuana Moment, called the rescheduling decision "a historic first step toward bringing federal drug policy into the 21st century." But he emphasized that real reform requires removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act entirely.

"To rectify this state/federal conflict…cannabis must be removed from the Controlled Substances Act altogether," Armentano wrote.

The rescheduling represents the first time federal authorities have formally acknowledged state medical cannabis programs since the Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as Schedule I in 1970. Under the new policy, state-authorized medical cannabis products and licensed providers gain federal recognition—a shift that could affect everything from banking access to research funding.

The Remaining Gap

Yet the change stops short of addressing the core legal contradiction that's plagued the cannabis industry since California launched the nation's first medical program in 1996. Thirty-eight states now permit medical cannabis, and 24 allow adult-use sales. But federal prohibition has forced these markets to operate in a legal gray zone.

Rescheduling to Schedule III would ease some restrictions. Banks might feel more comfortable serving cannabis businesses. Researchers could access plant material more easily. And companies could finally claim standard business tax deductions under Section 280E of the tax code—a change that could save the industry hundreds of millions annually.

But state-licensed dispensaries would still technically violate federal law when selling to adult-use customers. Interstate commerce would remain prohibited. And federal employees in legal states couldn't use cannabis without risking their jobs.

Industry Response

The cannabis sector has largely welcomed the rescheduling as progress, even while acknowledging its limitations. The National Cannabis Industry Association called it "a meaningful step" in a statement last month. But trade groups have simultaneously pushed for descheduling through legislative channels.

Armentano's critique reflects a broader debate within cannabis advocacy circles. Some organizations have supported incremental reforms like rescheduling and the SAFE Banking Act as pragmatic advances. Others argue that anything short of full descheduling perpetuates an unjust system and leaves too many legal vulnerabilities in place.

The NORML deputy director has consistently advocated for the more aggressive approach. In previous writings, he's pointed out that Schedule III status would still classify cannabis alongside ketamine and anabolic steroids—substances with accepted medical uses but significant abuse potential.

What Comes Next

The rescheduling process itself remains in flux. The Drug Enforcement Administration must still complete its review and issue a final rule. That timeline could stretch into late 2025 or beyond, depending on the volume of public comments and any legal challenges.

Meanwhile, Congress has its own cannabis reform proposals in play. The SAFER Banking Act passed the Senate Banking Committee last year with bipartisan support. And Representative Nancy Mace has reintroduced her States Reform Act, which would deschedule cannabis while maintaining some federal oversight.

Armentano's op-ed suggests the advocacy community won't let rescheduling become the endpoint. NORML and allied organizations plan to continue pressing for full removal from the Controlled Substances Act—the only change they say would truly resolve the state-federal conflict.

For now, the industry faces a familiar waiting game. Federal policy inches forward. State markets continue expanding. And the gap between the two remains uncomfortably wide.

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This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.