Published on: December 18, 2025, 03:43h.
Updated on: December 18, 2025, 03:43h.
- President Trump has mandated the reclassification of marijuana.
- This change to a Schedule III designation enables federal funding for cannabis research.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi and the US Drug Enforcement Administration to “take all necessary measures … as swiftly as possible” to revise the classification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
In an effort to broaden research into medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD), Trump emphasized that the reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III was both essential and overdue. The federal guideline designates Schedule I drugs as having no accepted medical applications and a high probability of misuse, which includes substances like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
Conversely, Schedule III drugs comprise commonly used medications recognized for medical purposes with a moderate or low potential for dependency.
“We have individuals pleading with me to take action. Those enduring significant pain,” Trump remarked in the Oval Office during the signing of the executive order.
The president noted that surveys indicate over 80% of US citizens endorse marijuana’s reclassification to facilitate federal funding for exploring the potential medical benefits of cannabis for patients with chronic and terminal conditions.
Casinos Remain Unaffected
Trump clarified that his executive order does not legalize marijuana “in any possible way” and does not authorize its recreational usage.
“Just as prescription pain medications can have valid purposes, they can equally cause irreversible harm,” he added, stating that marijuana can “ruin lives” if misused. He mentioned he has consistently advised his children against drug use and alcohol consumption.
Trump’s executive directive also does not alter current casino regulations regarding consumption or possession on-site. As long as marijuana remains a federally controlled substance, including as a Schedule III drug, casino policies will not change. Both commercial and tribal casinos are obliged to adhere to federal laws to preserve their gaming licenses.
Most state laws concerning cannabis, whether for recreational or medical use, typically permit consumption only within private residences. Utilizing marijuana in public areas is generally illegal, with exceptions existing in some states that have licensed consumption lounges.
Las Vegas Cannabis Scene
Nevada’s cannabis legislation mandates that dispensaries must be located at least 1,500 feet away from any establishment holding an unrestricted gaming license, such as a casino. This stipulation means you won’t encounter a legal marijuana dispensary directly on the Las Vegas Strip.
The stores along the Strip and retail centers in downtown Las Vegas advertise marijuana leaf logos but offer CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that induces a “high.” However, visitors can easily reach one of the numerous legal cannabis dispensaries with a short walk or a cab ride.
While someone smoking a joint or vaping THC on the Strip may not face legal repercussions, lighting up inside a casino can often lead to immediate removal from the premises.