The prospect of marijuana rescheduling under President Donald Trump remains uncertain, with growing skepticism among industry leaders and policymakers. While the cannabis sector remains hopeful for federal policy changes, recent appointments and political developments suggest a prolonged stalemate.
A Shift in Expectations
When former President Joe Biden initiated the marijuana rescheduling process in October 2022, industry stakeholders anticipated significant progress. However, the initiative stalled in January, and with Trump now in office, doubts are mounting over whether the effort will move forward at all.
Despite Trump’s previous campaign statements supporting cannabis reform, industry experts fear his administration may abandon or delay the rescheduling process indefinitely. Congresswoman Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat and co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, voiced concerns that the administration’s actions have not aligned with Trump’s past rhetoric in favor of cannabis policy reform.
Mixed Signals from the White House
While many cannabis business executives publicly express optimism, private conversations reveal a more cautious outlook. The $32 billion U.S. cannabis industry views federal policy changes—particularly the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3—as essential for financial relief and regulatory clarity.
Lobbyists and advocates continue to emphasize that Trump previously endorsed both federal rescheduling and adult-use legalization in Florida during his 2024 campaign. David Culver, senior vice president for public policy at the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable, remains hopeful, stating, “We have every expectation that he’ll follow through with his commitments.”
Additionally, cannabis industry leaders appear to have gained closer access to the Trump administration than they did under Biden. Notably, executives such as Cresco Labs CEO Charles Bachtell and Trulieve Cannabis CEO Kim Rivers attended Trump’s inaugural ball—an indication of stronger ties with the White House.
Mounting Skepticism and Political Appointments
Despite these connections, industry figures remain wary. Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, remarked during a recent earnings call that “at the moment, it’s hard to think anything will fundamentally change” at the federal level. His concerns stem from key appointments within Trump’s administration, including Terrance Cole, a longtime Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) official known for his skepticism toward marijuana. Cole’s previous role as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety saw him advising Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has actively opposed retail cannabis markets.
Another red flag for cannabis advocates is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reversal on marijuana reform. After expressing support for cannabis legalization during his failed presidential campaign, Kennedy has since deferred to the DEA, which remains resistant to reform. He has also signaled an intent to study the “risks” of high-THC products, raising concerns that rescheduling efforts could face further hurdles.
The Future of Cannabis Policy Under Trump
Although the cannabis industry has secured a stronger foothold in Washington, D.C., the likelihood of immediate rescheduling remains uncertain. The Biden administration faced internal resistance from the DEA despite the Department of Justice’s acknowledgment of marijuana’s medical benefits. Trump’s administration now has the opportunity to reshape the process, potentially accelerating reform—or halting it altogether.
Some advocates argue that Trump’s leadership style could work in the industry’s favor. Unlike Biden, who relied on administrative procedures to advance rescheduling, Trump could opt for a more direct approach, such as issuing an executive order to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. However, such a move depends on whether cannabis reform becomes a priority for his administration.
Congressional Action: The Only Long-Term Solution?
Ultimately, industry insiders recognize that true federal cannabis reform requires legislative action. Charlie Panfil, vice president at The Daschle Group, a lobbying firm representing cannabis businesses, stated, “The reality here is the only way to get to a true regulated cannabis market is through Congress.”
With pressing global and domestic issues dominating Trump’s agenda, some experts question whether marijuana policy will gain traction shortly. Cat Packer, director of drug markets and legal regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance, noted, “With everything else that’s going on in the world, I don’t know if cannabis is a high enough priority for Trump. It’s not a high enough priority for the Republican Party.”
Final Thoughts
The cannabis industry remains in limbo as the Trump administration navigates its early days. While there is hope for reform, skepticism is growing. As industry leaders and lobbyists continue to push for change, only time will tell whether Trump will take decisive action—or leave marijuana rescheduling in bureaucratic limbo.