YORK, Pa. — President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he is considering signing an executive order that would reclassify marijuana.

Under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD for its high potential for abuse. A Schedule III classification, meanwhile, would place the drug at the same level as ketamine and steroids.

“This would be the most significant federal policy change related to cannabis,” said Meredith Schneider, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition.

Schneider said a reclassification by the Trump Administration would open research into the drug, which could benefit thousands of Pennsylvanians who use medical marijuana.

She also said the decision could indirectly impact future legalization efforts in Pennsylvania.

“[The decision could free] up the research dollars so we can look into some of the questions the legislature has been asking about in terms of public health and safety, [and] reclassifying will help answer those questions,” said Schneider.

Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Bouchard, a professor who teaches cannabis business classes at Central Penn College, said the decision could draw more students who are interested in entering the cannabis industry.

“There will be organizations and possibly academic institutions that will be studying the science of cannabis and how it supports treating patients and managing their symptoms,” said Bouchard.

He added that the reclassification would allow dispensaries to have access to the banking system and business write-offs.

“That would give them more added value and the costs to the consumers could go down,” said Bouchard.

Advocates hope that the decision can further drive discussion and research into the drug.

“Hopefully, this will reduce the barriers to conversation around cannabis,” said Schneider.