President Donald Trump took steps to reschedule marijuana on Thursday. The move classifies marijuana as a less dangerous drug, but it doesn't make it legal at the federal level or endorse its recreational use. It also doesn't change criminal penalties for marijuana-related offenses, according to the White House.Instead, Trump's executive order aims to shift marijuana from a Schedule I drug, a category that includes LSD and heroin, to a Schedule III drug. The Schedule III designation signals that marijuana has an accepted medical use and less abuse potential, putting it on par with drugs like ketamine. "This reclassification order will make it far easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers, and future treatments," Trump said. Supporters of rescheduling say it could also help lower taxes for state-licensed cannabis businesses and expand access to banking. They also emphasize that Congress would need to pass legislation to fully dismantle current barriers for businesses. Critics of rescheduling argue that reclassification sends the wrong message about the risks of marijuana, especially when it comes to children. "This rule, if finalized, will herald a public health disaster," said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of the advocacy group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). "It’s a full betrayal of the President’s promise to keep all Americans safe and healthy." The rescheduling push began under the Biden administration. Trump's executive order directs the attorney general to speed up the process, but the exact timeline is unclear. Also on Thursday, the Trump administration announced a new Medicare program that will allow certain older adults to access legal forms of CBD at no cost, if recommended by a doctor. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the program will start as early as April 2026. He said it could potentially expand later on if it's supported by the data they collect on participating patients. The executive order also directs Congress to revisit controversial restrictions on hemp products that passed earlier this year. The measure, which was included in the package that ended the government shutdown, added new per-container limits on THC.White House officials who briefed reporters before Thursday's executive order signing said Trump wants to examine preserving access to full-spectrum CBD products while maintaining restrictions on intoxicating hemp products. Trump said he wants to "ensure seniors can access CBD products they have found beneficial for pain and other reasons." More from the Washington Bureau: