Marijuana Has Been Reclassified—What This Means for Truck Drivers

Just before the holidays, President Donald Trump issued an executive order changing the classification of cannabis products. While the federal penalties appear to have been reduced, what does marijuana reclassification mean for truck drivers?

Actions by the current occupants of the White House appear consistent with the previous administration. President Joe Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to conduct a study and enact new regulations regarding marijuana. The bureaucracy did not complete the process, prompting President Trump to issue an executive order mandating that marijuana be downgraded from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. This means:

• Cannabis products are now deemed to possess accepted medicinal properties.
• Marijuana is no longer considered highly addictive.
• A physician can now prescribe for a patient in accordance with federal law.

While the marijuana reclassification seems like good news for supporters of cannabis, CDL drivers can expect stricter drug testing protocols, upgrades to CDL qualifications, and more because the U.S. Department of Transportation has regulations in place that prohibit the use of cannabis products due to safety concerns.

Strict Drug Testing

It’s critical for CDL holders to avoid using marijuana, CBD, and consumables with THC. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates it will maintain a 50% random drug testing rate. Drivers who test positive for THC face suspension. Of the hundreds of thousands of truck drivers who have been sidelined through the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, more than half tested positive for THC.

Although nearly half of all states recognize marijuana as recreationally legal and nearly all allow medical use, the federal agencies that oversee CDL licensure do not. That means marijuana reclassification changes nothing for truck drivers. It can be detected in urine for three days after a single dose. Chronic use may result in a positive test for upwards of 90 days.

Updates to CDL Qualifications

Under Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the DOT is taking a tougher stance on enforcement across a wide range of fronts. In May 2025, Duffy signed an order mandating stricter enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements. News reports highlighting non-English-speaking drivers involved in sometimes fatal collisions have led to what appears to be a zero-tolerance policy toward the FMCSA’s long-standing English literacy requirements.

The same may hold true for random drug and alcohol testing. Those who have legitimate medical marijuana cards issued in their home states may no longer be eligible to haul freight. Everyday people who want to earn a good salary operating a large commercial motor vehicle may need to choose between cannabis products and truck driving.

Increased Vigilance on the Road

Media reports indicate that accessibility for cannabis research is likely to increase significantly. That means companies will have fewer bureaucratic hurdles to clear in order to study the benefits of THC consumption.

“This change will empower the 425,000 people working in the U.S. cannabis industry and bring in new talent, capital, and awareness to an industry that has a positive impact on millions of people’s lives,” Tim Barash, chairman of the Coalition of Cannabis Scheduling Reform, told the BBC.

The relaxation of marijuana constraints will likely be seen as a sign for some to use marijuana similarly to alcohol. Unfortunately, THC can linger in the system longer than beer, wine, and liquor. Smoking or vaping THC can impair a person for upwards of three hours. Dabbing concentrated doses typically lasts for five hours. Taking edibles can slow decision-making, reaction times, and a range of cognitive functions for up to 12 hours. It’s crucial for CDL professionals to remain vigilant and practice defensive driving, as more drivers may operate vehicles while under the influence.

Updates to Freight Handling

The executive order that reclassified marijuana placed great emphasis on increasing research.

“Americans deserve access to the best medical treatments and research infrastructure in the world. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed a review of the landscape of medical use of marijuana and found scientific support for its use to treat anorexia related to a medical condition, nausea and vomiting, and pain. Chronic pain affects nearly 1 in 4 United States adults and more than 1 in 3 United States seniors, and 6 in 10 people who use medical marijuana report doing so to manage pain,” the executive order states.

As research widens, truck drivers can anticipate transporting relatively large quantities across state lines. Although the law has not necessarily changed with regard to the movement of controlled substances, freight haulers can expect an uptick in legal marijuana transportation for research purposes. Over-the-road truckers will be responsible for ensuring quality control conditions. And big rigs hauling marijuana could become high-value theft targets.

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