USDOT says it is still ‘unacceptable’ for truck drivers to use marijuana amid White House push for rescheduling
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a notice clarifying drug testing policies for safety-sensitive workers amid a federal push to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
In a December 18, 2025, Executive Order (EO), President Donald Trump directed agencies to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
In response to the EO, USDOT’s Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy Compliance issued a statement to clarify how the EO will impact drug testing practices for safety-sensitive workers, including truck drivers and school bus drivers.
Officials emphasized that there will be no change to current drug testing policy until further notice, though USDOT will continue to monitor the rescheduling process and update the transportation industry as appropriate.
“First – Marijuana is still a Schedule I drug under the CSA until any rescheduling is complete. It remains unacceptable for any safety‐sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the Department of Transportation’s drug testing regulations to use marijuana.
Second – Until the rescheduling process is complete, the Department of Transportation’s drug testing process and regulations will not change. Transportation employees in safety-sensitive positions will still be subject to testing for marijuana. Furthermore, the Department’s guidance on medical and recreational marijuana and CBD are still in effect.“
“We want to assure the traveling public that our transportation system is the safest it can possibly be,” said USDOT.