SAVANNAH, Ga. — In a notable move, President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at accelerating the federal reclassification of marijuana.

It’s important to note, though, that reclassification differs from outright legalization.

Currently, marijuana is categorized as a Schedule I drug, placing it in the same classification as heroin.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes Schedule I substances as those with no recognized medical use.

If reclassified to Schedule III, marijuana would be acknowledged as having a moderate to low risk of dependence, potentially easing restrictions and facilitating further research opportunities.

“You’ll see more research, you’ll see more products coming out involving marijuana and, frankly, I think you’ll see looser laws around the United States,” attorney Boone Phillips said.

Reclassifying cannabis would also make it easier for companies to pay for and conduct medical studies.

Phillips said the change would be a major win for researchers and businesses.

“I think this change will significantly reduce hurdles for scientific and medical studies and make it easier for state agencies and private institutions to conduct this research and develop products,” Phillips said. “Now they can actually use their research expenses and write that off, whereas before, the accounting was an issue.”

But Phillips cautioned that it could take time before the public sees any real difference.

“It’s going to reduce the black market, it’s going to reduce crime, it’s going to increase taxes, so there are a lot of benefits,” Phillips said. “But just signing an order isn’t going to change the law. There’s a lot that still has to be done. It has to go in front of the DEA and HHS. They have to study it, vote on it and put it into effect. But this is a huge first step.”