Marijuana Shifts From Schedule I to Schedule III Under Federal Law: Is Legalization Coming?

In December of 2025, Trump signed a new executive order that reclassified marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under federal law. This move represents yet another chapter in the story of marijuana legislation, both in North Carolina and the entire country. Some believe that this executive order is just the beginning, and that marijuana could soon be legal on a federal scale. Is this really a possibility? What might happen if weed becomes legal in the Tar Heel State? Can a cannabis defense attorney in North Carolina help if you are facing legal issues? 

What Does the Marijuana Executive Order Mean for Me?

Schedule III drugs have a “moderate potential” for abuse, according to the scale used by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Perhaps most crucially, all Schedule III drugs have known medical uses. Examples of Schedule III drugs include codeine, ketamine, and steroids. 

The fact that marijuana is now a Schedule III drug has numerous implications. First, it indicates that the US government has finally accepted the medical uses of cannabis. Secondly, it indicates the government feels that the risk of substance abuse among cannabis users is relatively low. This echoes what many medical professionals believe, that weed is not all that addictive. 

Aside from these basic facts, the reclassification of marijuana does not mean much for the average North Carolina resident. This does not change current cannabis laws in North Carolina, and the drug remains illegal to possess in North Carolina. However, it could serve as a starting point for new discussions about legalization, particularly for medical users. 

Marijuana is Already Schedule VI Under North Carolina Law

Although marijuana is now a Schedule III drug on the federal level, North Carolina has its own ranking system. According to this state system, North Carolina ranks cannabis as a Schedule VI drug. This would indicate that the Tar Heel State is already several steps ahead of the federal government, and it already recognizes cannabis’s low potential for abuse. 

According to this state drug classification, possession of up to 0.5 ounces of marijuana should only lead to a maximum fine of $200. Even if you are caught with 1.5 ounces, you may only spend a single day in jail. North Carolina is also exploring the potential medical uses of cannabis with discussions and councils among lawmakers and industry experts. 

Can a Cannabis Defense Attorney in North Carolina?

While the future of federal marijuana laws may remain unclear, North Carolina’s current cannabis laws are relatively clear. You could face potential criminal consequences for possessing marijuana in North Carolina, even though many people (including lawmakers) may feel that the drug should be legal. Respond to your cannabis possession charges effectively with help from Coastal South Law.