AUGUSTA, Maine — Federal plans to reclassify cannabis are not expected to change Maine’s medical or adult-use marijuana programs, according to the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 18, directing the attorney general to complete the rulemaking process to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

State officials say Maine’s cannabis programs will continue operating as they do now, even if the federal change is finalized.

Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, are defined under federal law as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, and they cannot be prescribed. Schedule III drugs, such as low-dose codeine products, ketamine, and anabolic steroids, are recognized as having accepted medical uses and a lower potential for abuse, and they may be prescribed under federal regulation.

The office said cannabis programs regulated by states remain inconsistent with federal law, regardless of whether marijuana is classified as a Schedule I or Schedule III substance. Federal authorities have taken a hands-off enforcement approach toward state-regulated cannabis programs for years, and Maine officials expect that approach to continue.

State officials also stressed that reclassification does not mean federal legalization. Federal criminal penalties would remain in place, interstate cannabis commerce would still be prohibited, and marijuana would remain a controlled substance under federal law.

The most significant impact of the change could be financial. Moving cannabis to Schedule III would allow cannabis businesses to claim federal tax deductions currently barred under federal tax law for Schedule I substances. Maine cannabis businesses already qualify for similar deductions under state tax law.

Federal officials also expect the change to ease restrictions on medical and scientific research. Schedule III substances face fewer regulatory hurdles, which could reduce research costs and expand opportunities for cannabis-related studies.

The reclassification must still complete the federal regulatory process before taking effect.

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