Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL)—President Donald Trump’s first pick for U.S. attorney general this term before he withdrew from consideration—says “meaningful” marijuana reform is “on the horizon” under the current administration, praising the president’s “leadership” in supporting rescheduling.
Gaetz wrote in an op/ed that appeared Thursday by The Tampa Bay Times, “Moving cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to Schedule III won’t solve all problems overnight but is a step in the correct direction.” Gaetz expressed his confidence in Trump’s ability to bring about this reform.
Former lawmaker Joe Biden’s column fails to mention that he initiated the rescheduling that led federal agencies recommend the reclassification. Trump did endorse the change of policy on his social media during his campaign for 2024, but he hasn’t publicly addressed marijuana issues since assuming office.
Gaetz stated today that “a meaningful change is finally at hand, thanks to Donald Trump’s leadership and support for the rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.”
Gaetz said that “he always believed marijuana laws should have a scientific foundation, and not be stigmatized,” citing the work he did to promote reforms while seated in Florida’s House and Congress.
He mischaracterized his role in the legislature by claiming that he “legalized marijuana” because he understood how our federal policies, which were outdated, failed patients, veterans, and business. Gaetz was the sponsor of a restricted medical cannabis bill but not one that would legalize marijuana. Gaetz was the only Republican to vote in favor of a federal cannabis legalization measure led by Democrats.
The former politician said, “Cannabis has too long been classified along with heroin and LSD – substances that have no accepted medical purpose and high abuse potential.” The former lawmaker said that this classification had severely hampered research, prevented access to patients, such as veterans in their millions, and burdened businesses with unnecessarily restrictive regulations.
It is the right thing to do. “It acknowledges cannabis’ medical benefits and eases restrictions on science studies. It also allows cannabis business to operate in a more fair environment by removing unfair tax burdens,” wrote he. If cannabis isn’t rescheduled scientists will continue to face unnecessary obstacles, including obtaining licenses for their research, and having to obtain cannabis from only a few suppliers. This makes it difficult to do studies.
Gaetz stated that rescheduling “would eliminate these excessive tax burdens, and allow legal operators thrive. This would lead to increased investments and greater access to cannabis products for veterans and patients.”
Gaetz, the former congressman who quit after being appointed attorney general in the wake of several controversies investigated by House Ethics Committee said, “Trump is a long-time champion for cutting bureaucratic redtape, and Trump’s support for cannabis rescheduling shows his commitment to reforms that are based on common sense.”
By supporting this decision, he is standing up for our patients, small business owners and veterans. He said that it was crucial for our federal agencies to follow through with this initiative and align federal cannabis policies with the wishes of Americans.
Reclassifying marijuana as Schedule III will not solve all problems overnight. But it’s a step in the correct direction. It is an important step that will benefit the millions of Americans who depend on cannabis to relieve their pain, entrepreneurs who are working hard to create a more responsible industry, and veterans who need better treatment options. “Let’s do this and keep fighting for full cannabis legislation.”
Trump’s views are limited to just one post on social media, although in the past he expressed his support for medicinal cannabis. On the campaign trail he backed access to banking for marijuana companies and Florida’s adult use legalization measure.
The president is promoting his support for rescheduling, but the administrative process has been delayed. A judge at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), who was dealing with complications relating to certain witnesses, postponed hearings about the proposal towards the end of Biden’s tenure. This included whether DEA officials actually supported the rule despite their agency’s “proponent” role.
Even though the choice was controversial, advocates and other stakeholders were encouraged by Trump’s selection of Gaetz as the head of the Justice Department after his election. It would have marked a big change to have an attorney-general who actively promoted reform. This would also have been good for the process of rescheduling.
Trump has since chosen former Florida Attorney-General Pam Bondi to lead the DOJ. The Senate also confirmed this choice. Bondi refused to reveal how she would handle key marijuana-policy issues during her confirmation hearings. She also opposed medical cannabis legalization as the state’s attorney general.
Terrance Cole, Trump’s nominee for the DEA leadership, had previously expressed his concerns regarding the dangers associated with marijuana, and linked the use of it to a greater suicide risk in youth.
But the messaging of Gaetz’s op-ed speaks to a running theory within some industry circles—that leveraging Trump’s stated support for rescheduling and appealing to him by framing the issue as a means to support veterans and patients could motivate the president to advocate for the reform from the Oval Office. According to the theory, Trump’s directive would be followed regardless of what his other administration officials think.
In order to prove this point, a political action (PAC) funded by the marijuana industry is attacking Biden and Canada’s policy on cannabis, using new ads that make sometimes inaccurate claims about previous administrations, but also argue that Trump has the ability to deliver.
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