Trump Administration Says No Immediate Plans to Reclassify Cannabis Under Federal Law

The Trump administration has no plans to reschedule marijuana under federal law in the near future, according to an unidentified White House official. The statement, reported by CNN this week, clarifies that “no action is being considered at this time” regarding marijuana reform. This announcement follows previous campaign-trail remarks from President Donald Trump that indicated support for marijuana policy changes.

Political Action Committee Launches $1 Million Ad Campaign to Push for Marijuana Reform

Despite the White House’s position, pro-legalization advocates continue their efforts to influence policy. The American Rights and Reform PAC, a political action committee dedicated to marijuana reform, has announced a $1 million ad campaign aimed at persuading Trump to act. The campaign includes 30-second commercials that will air on cable and streaming services, particularly in Washington, D.C., and near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, locations where he is likely to see them.

Multistate Cannabis Operators Are Bankrolling the Political Action Committee’s Efforts

The American Rights and Reform PAC, formerly known as Legalize America, is backed by some of the largest multistate cannabis operators (MSOs). According to campaign finance records, the PAC had approximately $390,000 on hand at the end of 2024. The leading donors include:

Cresco Labs (Chicago-based MSO): $250,000

Curaleaf Holdings (New York-based MSO): $50,000

U.S. Cannabis Roundtable (formerly U.S. Cannabis Council): Multiple smaller donations

Trump’s Direct Involvement Is Seen as Key to Any Potential Federal Cannabis Reform

Supporters of cannabis reform believe that Trump’s personal involvement is the best chance for federal marijuana rescheduling. However, recent developments suggest that reform efforts have stalled. In January, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief administrative law judge put the rescheduling process on hold, further dampening hopes for a policy shift.

President Trump’s Recent Decisions Indicate a Shift Away from Marijuana Reform Support

While some cannabis industry leaders were initially optimistic about Trump’s stance on rescheduling, his recent actions have raised doubts:

His nomination for DEA Administrator, Terrance Cole, is a former Virginia law enforcement official and longtime DEA agent who has openly opposed cannabis reform.

His selection for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kenney Jr., has stated that he will “defer” to the DEA while also committing to “follow the science on the harms of marijuana.”

His administration’s proposal to cut university research budgets has alarmed academics, who argue that such cuts would hinder cannabis research efforts necessary for policy changes.

The Future of Marijuana Rescheduling Remains Uncertain Under the Trump Administration

Although Trump’s past comments on marijuana reform offered a glimmer of hope for industry leaders and advocates, his administration’s recent moves suggest that rescheduling is not a priority. Without direct intervention from the White House, federal marijuana policy will likely remain unchanged in the near term, leaving advocates to continue their push for reform through political pressure, legal challenges, and public awareness campaigns.