The White House hosted a meeting between a retired footballer who has since been a proponent of marijuana reform and top officials from the Trump Administration to discuss federal cannabis rescheduling.
On Friday, former NFL player-turned-advocate Ricky Williams discussed the reform with high-level staffers across multiple agencies at the White House as part of a broader meeting that touched on cannabis.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Energy, White House Counsels Office were involved in the conversations. MEDCAN24 learned that the Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Energy and White House Counsels Office participated in these conversations.
Williams, co-founder of Project Champion, told MEDCAN24 after the meeting that he’s “seen firsthand how cannabis can change lives—not just for wellness, but for opportunity.”
People questioned me about my decision to leave the NFL. But for me, cannabis was part of my journey to healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” he said. “I am not alone.” Veterans, cancer patients, and everyday Americans are all looking for safer, plant-based alternatives—and right now, federal law stands in the way.”
“Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III isn’t about politics—it’s about freedom. This is about giving small businesses a boost, providing tax relief and creating real jobs,” said the influencer and athlete. “It is about aligning federal legislation with what has already been done in 38 States.” It’s important to give people legal, safe access to effective medicines.
This reform was long overdue, smart and strategic. Rescheduling helps us build a stronger economy, protect our communities, and ensure this industry benefits all Americans—including communities of color that have historically been left behind. This is what we do to put America First.”
Bruce Levell was at the meeting as well. He is a Trump advisor and served for many years as Executive Director of Trump’s National Diversity Coalition.
In a separate social media posting, he said that he “was thrilled to be able to share with you a very productive meeting.” [White House] Senior staff discussing the impact of President Trump’s bill on rural and urban America.”
The Biden Administration fell short in rescheduling cannabis, but we are eager to have our next talk about moving it to Schedule III,” said he, adding that Trump was “all set to deliver” where other administrations had failed.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) again notified an agency judge that the marijuana rescheduling process remains stalled under the Trump administration.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services(HHS), has previously expressed his support of legalizing marijuana and psychedelic therapy. But during his Senate confirmation process in February, he said that he would defer to DEA on marijuana rescheduling in his new role.
Separately, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was reportedly photographed reviewing a document that appears to be a draft contract to provide services—including “administration-related guidance”—to a firm affiliated with the major marijuana company Trulieve. The visible portion of the document describes a lucrative bonus if a certain “matter resolves,” with an “additional ‘Super Success Fee'” for other “exclusive policy remedies.”
Last month, the former congressman reiterated his own support for rescheduling cannabis—suggesting in an interview with a Florida Republican lawmaker that the GOP could win more of the youth vote by embracing marijuana reform.
Gaetz also said last month that Trump’s endorsement of a Schedule III reclassification was essentially an attempt to shore up support among young voters rather than a sincere reflection of his personal views about cannabis.
A survey conducted by a GOP pollster affiliated with Trump that was released in April found that a majority of Republicans back a variety of cannabis reforms, including rescheduling. They’re also more in favor of states being able to legalize cannabis without interference from the federal government than average voters.
Trump has chosen Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, to be his nominee for DOJ. The Senate confirmed this decision. During her confirmation hearings, Bondi declined to say how she planned to navigate key marijuana policy issues. She also opposed medical cannabis legalization as the state’s attorney general.
Amid the stalled marijuana rescheduling process that’s carried over from the last presidential administration, congressional researchers recently reiterated that lawmakers could enact the reform themselves with “greater speed and flexibility” if they so choose, while potentially avoiding judicial challenges.
Meanwhile, a newly formed coalition of professional athletes and entertainers, led by retired boxer Mike Tyson, sent a letter to Trump on Friday—thanking him for past clemency actions while emphasizing the opportunity he has to best former President Joe Biden by rescheduling marijuana, expanding pardons and freeing up banking services for licensed cannabis businesses.