Trump Hints at Cannabis Rescheduling as Opioid Crisis Deepens

In a strategic development that could reshape the United States’ drug policy, President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration is “looking very strongly” at rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.  Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, the President explicitly linked the potential move to medical science, stating that reclassification is necessary because it “leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done” under current federal restrictions.

This pivot on cannabis comes simultaneously with a definitive crackdown on lethal opioids.  In a separate confirmed action, the White House has issued an Executive Order officially designating illicit fentanyl as a “Weapon of Mass Destruction” (WMD).  This dual narrative—aggression against lethal opioids paired with a softening stance on cannabis research—has sparked a sizable rally in financial markets, with investors betting that the administration views cannabis regulation as a necessary counterweight to the opioid crisis.

Unlocking Research: The “Exit Drug” Thesis

President Trump’s specific focus on “research” is a critical driver of the recent market optimism.  By moving cannabis to Schedule III, the federal government would effectively acknowledge the plant’s medical utility, removing the red tape that has historically stifled clinical trials.  This is particularly relevant as the administration deploys its full military and intelligence capabilities against fentanyl cartels.

Many opioid addictions begin not with illicit intent, but with patients seeking relief from severe ailments.  Notably, medical cannabis could be emerging as a critical tool for managing chronic pain, offering patients a viable alternative that does not carry the high risk of respiratory depression associated with opioids.  Unlike Schedule I substances, which are deemed to have “no accepted medical use,” a Schedule III classification aligns federal policy with this clinical reality.

Furthermore, this substitution effect is already visible in the most vulnerable populations.  Recent data shows that when cancer patients are granted access to legal cannabis, their reliance on opioids for pain management drops significantly.  This suggests that a federal rescheduling could function as a preventative measure against accidental addiction, positioning cannabis as an “exit drug” rather than a gateway.

Prediction Markets: The Signal in the Noise

Leading up to the President’s comments, prediction markets had already begun pricing in a major shift in federal policy.  On platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, contracts wagering on federal rescheduling in 2025 saw unusual volatility and volume.

Following initial reports from The Washington Post and the President’s subsequent confirmation, the implied probability of rescheduling surged.  Smart money is betting that the President’s public pressure will cut through the administrative gridlock at the DEA and DOJ.  These markets acted as a leading indicator, validating the equity rally seen in cannabis ETFs before the mainstream news cycle had fully digested the implications.

Understanding the Shift to Schedule III

Currently, cannabis remains stuck in Schedule I, the most restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act.  This classification creates a paradox where state-legal businesses operate in conflict with federal law, facing severe financial handicaps.  The primary burden is Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, which prevents businesses trafficking in Schedule I substances from deducting standard business expenses.

If the administration follows through on this reported direction to move cannabis to Schedule III, this tax penalty would vanish. Industry players note that this single change could immediately improve the cash flow of cannabis operators, who currently pay effective tax rates upwards of 70 percent.  This newfound capital would fuel expansion, research, and stabilization across the sector.

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Market Reaction: The Anticipation Rally

The financial markets reacted swiftly to the news.  The President’s confirmation of his intent caused leading cannabis ETFs to skyrocket, with high-volume trading seen across major multi-state operators (MSOs) and licensed producers.

As mentioned- the reaction was sizable. The Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS +18.37%) and the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS +20.56%) posted their largest single-day percentage gains on record, surging over 50% in some sessions.  Individual stalwarts like Tilray Brands (TLRY +27.54%) and Canopy Growth (WEED +19.73%) saw shares jump 44% and 54% respectively.  Investors view these reports as a “de-risking” event, signaling that the federal government is moving from a posture of prohibition to one of regulated acceptance.

While banking reform—specifically the SAFER Banking Act—remains a separate legislative hurdle, a move to Schedule III would provide the regulatory clarity that major financial institutions have been waiting for to enter the space.

Investment Spotlight: Cronos Group (CRON +3.61%)

As the industry pivots toward Schedule III, the demand for consistency, standardization, and “pharma-grade” purity will become the new baseline.  While traditional cultivators struggle with the biological variability of plants, one company is using advanced biotechnology to solve the problem entirely: Cronos Group.

Cronos differentiates itself through a “asset-light” model that prioritizes intellectual property over vast farming operations.  Its “innovation engine” is powered by a strategic partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks (DNA -4.67%), a leader in synthetic biology.  Together, they have pioneered the commercial production of rare cannabinoids—such as CBG and THCV—using biosynthesis.

Rather than growing plants, Cronos effectively “brews” specific cannabinoids using engineered yeast in fermentation tanks—a process similar to how insulin is manufactured.  This approach offers three distinct advantages in a federally regulated market:

• Clinical Consistency: Fermentation yields pure molecules with zero biological variation, a prerequisite for pharmaceutical applications.
• Scalability: Production can be ramped up in a lab environment without the risks of weather, pests, or crop cycles.
• Access to Rare Compounds: It allows for the economical production of rare cannabinoids that exist in only trace amounts in the cannabis plant.

With a fortress-like balance sheet backed by major investor Altria Group, Cronos is uniquely positioned to fund the rigorous medical research that President Trump alluded to.  As the market shifts from “getting high” to “getting healthy,” Cronos Group’s ability to manufacture standardized, consistent molecules at scale positions it as the premier biotech play in the sector.

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