Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump is Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research
12/18/2025
Action Summary
- Enhancing Research on Medical Marijuana and CBD: President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at improving research into the medical uses of marijuana and cannabidiol to better inform patients and healthcare providers.
- Rescheduling Marijuana:
- Directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substance Act.
- Aligns with HHS recommendations and acknowledges marijuana’s accepted medical use.
- Intends to remove research barriers by allowing incorporation of real-world evidence in studies.
- Improving Access to Cannabidiol (CBD) Products:
- Seeks collaboration with Congress to ensure access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products while restricting unsafe products.
- Directs HHS to develop research methods for hemp-derived cannabinoid products in compliance with Federal law.
- Evidence and Need for Research:
- Highlights existing state-level medical marijuana programs and growing clinical evidence supporting its use for conditions like pain, nausea, and anorexia.
- Notes the widespread usage among adults and seniors and the need for clear prescribing guidance based on robust research.
- Wider Healthcare Initiatives:
- Announces deals with major pharmaceutical manufacturers aimed at aligning drug prices with those in other developed nations.
- References additional Executive Orders and legislative actions to improve price transparency, upgrade veteran healthcare services, phase out synthetic dyes, impose scientific rigor in policymaking, and expand rural healthcare investments.
- Highlights measures to accelerate the approval of biosimilars to expand treatment options and reduce costs.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III could significantly impact research opportunities at Vanderbilt, opening avenues for studies involving medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD). This shift may require adjustments in compliance and ethics standards for research involving controlled substances.
- The increased focus on CBD and hemp-derived products could present challenges in regulatory compliance, as the legal landscape remains complex. Vanderbilt may need to ensure its researchers are up-to-date on evolving federal and state regulations.
- The order’s directive for improved research methods and models utilizing real-world evidence offers opportunities for Vanderbilt’s research community to contribute to setting new standards of care, potentially enhancing the university’s reputation in medical research.
- As the administration seeks to improve healthcare access and pricing transparency, Vanderbilt’s medical and healthcare management programs may need to adapt curriculum and research focuses to align with these national initiatives.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center could play a pivotal role in conducting clinical trials and research studies on medical marijuana and CBD, contributing to national healthcare improvements.
- The Vanderbilt Center for Health Services Research may experience increased demand for its expertise in evaluating new healthcare policies and their implications on patient care.
- Law and Regulatory Affairs Programs at Vanderbilt may need to expand their focus on the implications of evolving drug schedules and healthcare regulations, providing guidance on legal compliance and advocacy.
- School of Nursing could see changes in training and education related to prescribing medical marijuana and managing cannabinoid-based treatments.
Financial Impact
- The rescheduling of marijuana may lead to new funding opportunities for research grants focused on medical marijuana and CBD, positioning Vanderbilt to secure significant research investments.
- Vanderbilt could potentially benefit from partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and the government, as the administration seeks to align drug prices with international standards, affecting research funding and drug development collaborations.
- Changes in healthcare policy, such as price transparency and expanded access to Health Savings Accounts, might indirectly influence the financial strategies of Vanderbilt’s healthcare programs and partnerships.
- The administration’s efforts to improve rural healthcare could lead to potential collaborations with Vanderbilt, especially in telemedicine and healthcare access initiatives.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center should explore collaboration opportunities with federal agencies and pharmaceutical companies to participate in research on medical marijuana and cannabidiol. This could enhance the university’s research portfolio and contribute to advancements in medical treatments.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics should develop models to utilize real-world evidence in studying the long-term health effects of medical marijuana and CBD products. Engaging in this research can position Vanderbilt as a leader in cannabinoid research.
- Office of Federal Relations should monitor legislative developments related to CBD regulation and advocate for positions that support research and consumer safety. This proactive stance will help align Vanderbilt’s interests with emerging federal policies.
- School of Medicine should consider incorporating cannabinoid science into the curriculum to prepare future healthcare providers for evolving treatment landscapes. This adaptation will ensure medical education at Vanderbilt remains cutting-edge.
- Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging should investigate the implications of increased access to medical marijuana for seniors, potentially leading to new research projects and community outreach initiatives to improve senior health outcomes.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Affairs to secure funding for studies on the efficacy and safety of medical marijuana and CBD, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as adolescents and older adults.
- By engaging with pharmaceutical companies through the announced deals, Vanderbilt University could gain insights and partnerships that lead to innovative healthcare solutions and cost reductions for patients.
- The emphasis on improving healthcare access and reducing costs aligns with Vanderbilt’s mission and offers an opportunity to expand programs aimed at underserved communities, particularly in rural areas.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in health policy to contribute to conversations and policymaking around the regulation and standardization of cannabinoid products, influencing future healthcare standards.
- Hosting interdisciplinary conferences and workshops on the role of cannabinoids in healthcare could further establish Vanderbilt as a thought leader in this field and facilitate cross-sector collaborations.
Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order suggests significant research and educational opportunities, potentially requiring major process changes to align with federal priorities.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A: The summary does not specify any explicit deadlines or timeframes for implementing the directives.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Attorney General (Department of Justice): Directed to expedite the process for rescheduling marijuana within the Controlled Substance Act, highlighting its role in regulatory and enforcement actions.
- White House – Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political, and Public Affairs: Tasked with collaborating with Congress to ensure that full-spectrum CBD products transition safely, which connects executive decision-making with legislative oversight.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Instructed to develop research methods and models using real-world evidence for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, reflecting a key role in advancing medical research and public health standards.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Involved in reviewing the efficacy and safety data on medical marijuana and CBD products, and later measures of ensuring accurate pricing and safety in medicines.
- Congress: Although not an agency, its cooperation is sought to facilitate legislative changes regarding CBD product access and regulation.
- Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Mentioned in executive actions aimed at expanding veterans’ access to healthcare services, such as reducing appointment wait times and offering alternative care options.
Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of Federal agencies are directly impacted by these executive actions.)
Responsible Officials
- Attorney General – Tasked with expediting the process of rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III of the Controlled Substance Act.
- White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political, and Public Affairs – Directed to collaborate with Congress to enable access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products while maintaining restrictions on products that pose serious health risks.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Instructed to develop research methods and models using real-world evidence to improve access to hemp-derived cannabinoid products and inform standards of care.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives involve Cabinet-level and high-ranking White House officials, indicating significant national impact.)