Jamaica has responded with measured optimism to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order initiating the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under U.S. federal drug laws. While acknowledging this move stops short of full federal legalization, Jamaican officials described it as a substantial step toward broader liberalization at the federal level.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, issued a statement following the Oval Office signing ceremony, noting that the ultimate implications for banking access, cross-border investment, research collaboration, and market engagement would depend on implementation specifics and international compliance responses.
President Trump announced the executive action surrounded by medical professionals, stating, “Today I’m pleased to announce that I will be signing an executive order to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, with legitimate medical uses.” He emphasized receiving overwhelming public support for the action, particularly from patients experiencing severe pain and debilitating conditions.
The order directs the Attorney General to complete the rule-making process expediently. This shift moves marijuana from the DEA’s most restrictive category—which includes substances like heroin and LSD deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”—to Schedule III, which recognizes medical utility and includes drugs such as ketamine and codeine-containing medications.
While the rescheduling represents the most significant drug policy reform in decades, it maintains federal prohibition of recreational use. However, it potentially facilitates expanded medical research, reduces tax burdens for state-licensed dispensaries by allowing tax deductions previously barred under Schedule I, and reflects the evolving landscape where 24 states permit recreational use and approximately 40 allow medical use.
Minister Seiveright highlighted that the change would substantially ease barriers to medical and scientific research while expanding clinical study opportunities. Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority will carefully monitor developments, engage stakeholders, and assess knock-on effects in the international cannabis market.