Trump’s AG Pick Pam Bondi and Cannabis Reform: What’s Next?

Trump’s Attorney General Pick, Pam Bondi, Raises Questions About Federal Cannabis Policy

In a swift decision following Rep. Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal, President-elect Donald Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his pick for U.S. attorney general. Bondi, a long-time Trump loyalist, has a mixed record on cannabis policy, prompting speculation about the future of federal cannabis reform under her leadership.

Pam Bondi’s Background

Pam Bondi served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019 under then-Governor Rick Scott, now a U.S. senator. Bondi gained national attention for her hardline stances on various issues, including drug enforcement. She was a prominent figure at the 2016 Republican National Convention, where she championed Trump’s “America First” platform and criticized perceived leniency in law enforcement policies under Democratic administrations.

During her tenure, Bondi focused heavily on combatting opioid addiction and drug trafficking. Trump highlighted these efforts on Truth Social, praising her for saving lives through initiatives targeting the opioid crisis during his first term.

A Mixed Record on Cannabis

Bondi’s track record on cannabis, however, tells a different story. During her time as attorney general, she actively opposed cannabis reforms in Florida. In 2014, she challenged the language of a constitutional ballot amendment aimed at broadly legalizing medical cannabis, describing it as “misleading.” The measure ultimately failed to secure the 60% supermajority needed for passage, receiving 58% of the vote.

Even after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2016 to legalize high-THC medical cannabis, Bondi worked to uphold a ban on smokable flower, calling it “antithetical to good medicine.” That ban was later overturned in 2019 by current Governor Ron DeSantis, reflecting a shift in state cannabis policy.

Industry Reactions to Bondi’s Nomination

Bondi’s nomination has elicited mixed reactions from cannabis industry leaders. While her history suggests resistance to cannabis reform, some, like Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers, believe her actions as attorney general were more a reflection of political obligations under Governor Scott’s administration than personal convictions.

Rivers took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend Bondi, stating, “To be fair, she was following the governor’s direction on that at the time, in that role. I think she is a great pick!”

Bondi’s potential alignment with Trump’s federal cannabis policies offers a glimmer of hope for the industry. On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to support cannabis rescheduling, decriminalization, and states’ rights to legalize. He also expressed interest in working with Congress to pass banking reform, a critical issue for the cannabis industry.

Gaetz’s Pro-Cannabis Record Sets the Stage

Bondi’s nomination comes after Matt Gaetz, a staunch cannabis reform advocate, withdrew from consideration. Gaetz’s pro-cannabis record includes sponsoring federal descheduling legislation and voting in favor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act.

Despite his support for medical cannabis, Gaetz opposed Florida’s 2024 adult-use legalization measure, arguing that constitutional amendments were not the appropriate avenue for such reforms. This nuanced stance mirrors some of Bondi’s reservations about state-level legalization efforts, though her opposition has traditionally been more stringent.

The Future of Federal Cannabis Reform

Should Bondi secure Senate confirmation, her approach to federal cannabis policy will likely depend on Trump’s directives. Trump’s recent rhetoric has signaled a willingness to engage in cannabis reform, potentially pushing Bondi to adopt a more progressive stance than her history suggests.

Key areas of focus under a Bondi-led Department of Justice could include:

Banking Reform: Supporting legislation to provide financial services to cannabis businesses.

Rescheduling or Descheduling: Aligning federal cannabis classification with Trump’s campaign promises.

State Rights Protections: Ensuring states retain control over their cannabis programs without federal interference.

Challenges Ahead

Bondi’s confirmation process is expected to be contentious, with her cannabis record likely to draw scrutiny from both sides of the aisle. Democrats and pro-cannabis Republicans may push for assurances that she will support federal reforms, particularly as public opinion continues to favor legalization.

Moreover, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether Bondi can balance Trump’s campaign commitments with her historically conservative stance on cannabis.

Pam Bondi’s nomination as attorney general introduces uncertainty for the future of federal cannabis policy. While her past actions suggest resistance to reform, Trump’s campaign promises and the evolving political landscape could prompt a shift in her approach.

As the cannabis industry waits for clarity, Bondi’s confirmation process will serve as an important litmus test for the direction of U.S. cannabis policy under the Trump administration’s second term.