Former Trump Advisor Kellyanne Conway Is The ‘Biggest Champion’ Of Marijuana Rescheduling In President’s ‘Inner Circle,’ GOP Congressman Says

A Surprising Advocate for Cannabis Policy Reform Within Trump’s Circle

As the Trump administration weighs whether to reschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, an unexpected figure has emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of the shift. According to Representative Brian Mast of Florida, former senior advisor Kellyanne Conway has become the strongest proponent of moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III among the president’s closest confidantes.

Mast, who co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus, expressed confidence that momentum is building following Trump’s recent signal that a decision could come within weeks. While the administration has not revealed a clear timeline, the congressman suggested Conway’s influence could be playing a significant role in advancing the discussion.

Conway’s Evolving Role on Marijuana Policy

Conway’s involvement in cannabis rescheduling discussions has raised eyebrows, given her history of skepticism toward legalization. During Trump’s first term, she criticized efforts to expand access to marijuana, aligning with law-and-order arguments that emphasized potential risks.

Yet her recent positioning suggests a shift, or at least a recognition of the political and policy realities surrounding cannabis. Mast noted that Conway has been consistently engaged on the issue within Trump’s circle, although the exact nature of her role whether as an informal advisor, political consultant, or private advocate—remains unclear.

Neither Conway’s office nor Mast’s team provided clarification on whether she is acting in a personal capacity or representing outside interests in cannabis policy.

Trump’s Position Remains Ambiguous but Signals Momentum

During his campaign for a second term, Trump endorsed the idea of rescheduling marijuana but has offered few details since returning to office. His recent public comments, however, acknowledged that the issue is under active consideration.

Mast interpreted the president’s remarks as a strong indication of forward movement. He argued that Trump’s acknowledgment alone represents a shift in tone that could influence fellow Republicans to take the issue more seriously.

Asked whether the president’s openness could serve as a “wake-up call” for the GOP caucus, Mast answered affirmatively, stressing that the party may need to reassess its stance on cannabis as public support grows and states continue legalization.

A Complicated Record on Cannabis and Criminal Justice

Conway’s reemergence as a cannabis policy voice comes against the backdrop of her complex history on the issue. In 2019, she drew criticism from pro-legalization lawmakers for opposing marijuana reform. At the same time, she also targeted Democrats over what she characterized as inconsistencies in their own criminal justice records.

In particular, she highlighted Kamala Harris’s history as a prosecutor in California, arguing that her actions left her vulnerable to critiques from both criminal justice reform advocates and law-and-order voters. This dual messaging underscored Conway’s ability to frame cannabis policy as a political wedge issue, even when she was not advocating reform directly.

Divisions Within Trump’s Political Allies

Not all of Trump’s allies share Conway’s apparent enthusiasm for rescheduling. Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson recently penned an op-ed in Fox News opposing the move, warning that reclassifying cannabis could undermine the administration’s broader crime-reduction agenda.

Former press secretary Sean Spicer and longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone have also weighed in with contrasting perspectives. Stone, in particular, has openly endorsed rescheduling, publishing an op-ed in favor of reform last week.

These diverging voices highlight the lack of consensus within Trump’s orbit, even as pressure mounts from multiple directions.

Congressional Pushback and Public Pressure

While Mast and other members of the Cannabis Caucus are urging progress, nine Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding that the administration reject what they described as a “corrupt and flawed” rescheduling process.

At the same time, advocacy groups are pressing Trump to go even further than rescheduling, with some calling for full legalization. A leading drug policy reform organization has launched a petition urging the president to adopt a more comprehensive approach that would resolve the federal-state conflict over cannabis once and for all.

The Role of Political Strategy

Whether Conway’s reported advocacy will translate into policy change remains uncertain. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would have significant implications, allowing for expanded research, removing tax burdens under IRS code 280E, and signaling a major shift in federal recognition of marijuana’s medical potential.

Yet the decision remains deeply political. Trump’s balancing act between traditional conservative allies, reform-minded Republicans like Mast, and his own advisors will likely shape the timing and scope of any move.

As the debate continues, Conway’s surprising emergence as a driving force for cannabis rescheduling illustrates the evolving dynamics within the president’s inner circle. It also underscores the growing recognition, even among skeptics, that cannabis policy is no longer a fringe issue but a mainstream priority with national implications.

A surprising figure has emerged in the White House cannabis debate. According to Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), former Trump senior advisor Kellyanne Conway has become the most vocal advocate for marijuana rescheduling within the president’s inner circle.

Trump recently acknowledged that his administration is considering moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. Mast says Conway has played a major role in advancing that discussion, despite her past skepticism about legalization.

The development underscores shifting dynamics in Republican circles. While some allies, such as Ben Carson, oppose rescheduling, others like Roger Stone have endorsed reform. Meanwhile, nine GOP lawmakers are urging the attorney general to reject the proposal entirely.

Rescheduling would have sweeping effects opening research opportunities, easing tax burdens, and signaling a shift in federal recognition of cannabis’s medical value. Whether Trump follows through may depend as much on political strategy as on policy considerations.