Federal cannabis rescheduling is a hot topic right now, and it’s got everyone asking: what would a Trump administration do about it? Cannabis reform gained serious traction under President Joe Biden, but if Trump is back in the driver’s seat, how might he handle the green wave sweeping the nation?
What’s the Deal with Cannabis Rescheduling?
Alright, here’s the lowdown: right now, cannabis is a Schedule I drug. Yep, it’s lumped in with heavy hitters like heroin and LSD. That’s the government saying it has no medical value and a high risk of abuse—which, let’s be real, feels pretty outdated in 2025. This classification makes it ridiculously hard for researchers to study weed and blocks cannabis businesses from basic stuff like banking.
If cannabis gets bumped down to Schedule II or III, everything changes. Imagine easier research, federal banking access for dispensaries, and more protection for state-legal businesses. But, here’s the catch: rescheduling isn’t the same as legalizing. Some hurdles, like sky-high taxes thanks to IRS Code 280E, would still stick around. So, while it’s a step forward, it’s not the whole marathon.
Trump’s Vibes on Cannabis
Back in Trump’s first term, his stance on cannabis was… well, a mixed bag. On one hand, he said he was cool with states doing their own thing. On the other, his Attorney General Jeff Sessions killed the Cole Memo in 2018, making life chaotic for the cannabis industry.
But hey, credit where it’s due: Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill, making hemp and CBD legal. That was a big win for cannabis advocates. Plus, he’s dropped hints about being open to letting states handle weed laws. So, there’s potential—if he plays his cards right.
What Could Shape Trump’s Next Moves?
- Public Pressure: Let’s face it, the people want this. A 2023 Pew Research poll showed 68% of Americans back full legalization. And for medical marijuana? Support is even higher. Ignoring this would be a major buzzkill for younger voters.
- Money Talks: The cannabis industry raked in $32 billion in 2022. That’s more than the NFL! Plus, it’s creating jobs left and right—over 428,000 and counting. Trump loves a good business success story, so this could be his angle.
- GOP Split: Some Republicans are still saying “no way” to weed, but others are on board. Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. Matt Gaetz are leading the charge for legalization. Trump could find middle ground by supporting rescheduling instead of full-blown legalization.
- Keeping Up with the World: Canada’s been chill with legal weed since 2018, and Germany is heading there too. The U.S. could join the club and boost international trade while it’s at it.
What Might Happen?
If Trump dives into cannabis reform, here’s what could go down:
- He could tell the DEA and HHS to fast-track a review of cannabis’s Schedule I status, like what’s already happening under Biden.
- Push for federal funding to unlock the secrets of cannabis through research.
- Drop an executive order or memo giving state-legal businesses some breathing room.
- Get behind bipartisan bills like the SAFE Banking Act so dispensaries don’t have to stash cash like it’s the 1920s.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the tea: Trump’s cannabis game plan isn’t exactly clear, but the momentum for reform is too big to ignore. Rescheduling might be his golden ticket to appeal to both conservatives and pro-weed voters. With billions in potential tax revenue and public opinion firmly in favor, federal cannabis reform could totally be a defining issue for 2024.
So, will Trump ride the green wave or let it pass him by? Stay tuned—this could get wild.