Why Trump’s marijuana reform pledge is stalled and what could happen next

Why Trump’s marijuana reform pledge is stalled and what could happen next

At a recent dinner with donors at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club, President Donald Trump said loosening federal marijuana restrictions is “something we’re going to look at,” according to attendees. Nearly a year ago, he pledged to reclassify marijuana to a less restricted category, giving states more leeway on legalization. But despite quick action on other promises, marijuana reform has stalled, exposing divisions within his team, CNN reported.

A stalled campaign promise

On the trail, Trump promised to move marijuana from Schedule 1 — alongside heroin — to Schedule 3, a category for drugs with moderate to low dependence potential. He also pledged to end arrests for small personal-use amounts. His position set him apart from previous Republican presidents and was designed to appeal to younger voters, minorities and libertarian-leaning conservatives. So far, no executive action has followed.

Divisions inside the White House

Political advisers see reclassification as a way to strengthen Republican support ahead of the midterms, while some policy aides warn of moral, legal and political risks. One flashpoint is whether changing marijuana’s classification would limit police powers, such as using the smell of marijuana as probable cause for stops. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has collected agency views in a report now awaiting Trump’s decision.

Mixed signals from the administration

Industry executives say Trump has privately assured them he plans to act. Scotts Miracle-Gro CEO James Hagedorn told Fox Business the president has made “multiple” such assurances. But cannabis policy was absent from the agenda of new DEA chief Terrance Cole, a longtime law enforcement official. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson says “all policy and legal requirements” are still under review.

The Biden-era process and current roadblocks

President Joe Biden ordered a review in 2022, with health officials recommending rescheduling to Schedule 3. The Justice Department began the rulemaking process in 2024, but it stalled before completion. A DEA hearing scheduled for the day after Trump’s inauguration was cancelled and has not been rescheduled, leaving the Biden-era proposal unresolved.

Political stakes for Trump

Supporters — from cannabis industry PACs to influencers like Joe Rogan — are urging Trump to move quickly, arguing it would open research opportunities, create jobs and win back disenchanted young men. Nearly 60% of Americans support full legalization, according to a 2024 Pew survey. Trump’s own pollsters have called marijuana reform “an easy way” to attract key 2026 voters.

What happens next

Any change hinges on Trump’s personal decision. A teetotaler whose views were shaped by his late brother’s addiction, he has voiced concerns about marijuana’s impact, including on IQ and traffic safety. But as political pressure builds from donors, advisers and pollsters, rescheduling marijuana could become a test of whether Trump is willing to deliver on a popular promise — or let the issue drift past another election cycle.