In a move that could reshape the landscape of cannabis policy in the United States, President Donald Trump has signaled he may soon decide whether to reschedule marijuana at the federal level—a decision that has ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum and among industry stakeholders. Trump’s announcement, made in mid-August 2025, follows months of speculation and builds on the unfinished efforts of the Biden administration, which had previously pushed to move cannabis from the highly restrictive Schedule I category to the less restrictive Schedule III.
According to Marijuana Moment, Trump told donors earlier this month that he was actively considering rescheduling marijuana and confirmed in a press conference that a decision would come within weeks. The move, while falling short of outright legalization, would represent a significant shift in federal policy and potentially provide a major boost to the burgeoning cannabis industry.
The issue has exposed deep divisions within Trump’s own MAGA base. As Marijuana Moment reports, some right-wing influencers argue that rescheduling is a matter of personal freedom, especially for veterans who have benefited from medical cannabis. Others are more skeptical, voicing concerns about the social consequences, including the pervasive smell of cannabis and its perceived impact on communities.
On the other side of the aisle, supporters of marijuana reform see the rescheduling effort as a pragmatic step forward. Adam Smith, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, told The Hill, “The DEA, culturally and historically, has been against reforming cannabis laws. And I think to some extent that is their natural response is to dig in their heels.” Smith emphasized that the effort to reschedule cannabis under the Biden administration stalled in part due to resistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Trump himself has previously expressed support for cannabis regulation and decriminalization. In September 2024, he posted on Truth Social, “I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product.” He even indicated he would vote “YES” on Florida Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational cannabis in the state. Although the measure garnered 55 percent of the vote, it fell short of the 60 percent supermajority required for passage.
Despite this, some conservative voices remain adamantly opposed. Former Representative Bob Good (R-VA) criticized Trump’s openness to rescheduling, tweeting, “Disappointing, if not surprising, that Trump would even consider making marijuana more acceptable in this country. When has more marijuana made a country ‘great again’?” Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as Focus on the Family have urged Trump not to move forward with rescheduling, citing concerns about youth mental health and road safety—a sentiment echoed by New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, who has vowed to continue opposing legalization even if federal policy changes.
Polling data suggests that public opinion is firmly on the side of reform. According to a Pew Research survey conducted at the start of 2025, only 1 in 10 Americans said marijuana should not be legal at all, while 87 percent supported legalization for medical use, recreation, or both. Smith noted, “Majorities of Americans from all parties support cannabis law reform and support legalization. A large, large, overwhelming majority support medical access, and so I don’t think it’s as unpopular on the right as it is often portrayed.”
Legal experts believe Trump’s support could be pivotal in finally moving the rescheduling process forward. The Biden administration’s effort had been delayed after DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney canceled a hearing on the matter, following an appeal alleging collusion between the DEA and opponents of reform. Jonathan Robbins, chair of Akerman LLP’s Cannabis Practice, told The Hill, “While this sounds onerous, and indeed it is, outright support from President Trump will absolutely facilitate the process, particularly given that the vast majority of congressional opposition has historically come from the right side.” Robbins added that with pressure from the administration and the DEA on board, the appeal could be resolved and a new hearing scheduled within months.
However, it’s important to note that rescheduling marijuana would not equate to full legalization. As Smith explained, “Rescheduling is a compromise solution.” Federal penalties for marijuana use and possession would remain, but the primary change would be the removal of a tax law that currently disallows cannabis businesses from deducting business costs or credits if they deal in Schedule I or II substances. This would give the industry a significant financial advantage, allowing businesses to deduct expenses such as advertising and operational costs—something that has drawn criticism from opponents.
Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and a drug policy adviser for three presidential administrations, warned, “It is modest legally, but on the other hand, I worry about the real world effect would be twofold. Number one, huge commercialization in terms of the advertising that they can now deduct as expenses. And then number two, the issue of the message that it sends. Because we know the headlines will be, ‘listen, marijuana is being reclassified. It’s being downgraded.’” Sabet emphasized that while the change might seem technical, the broader implication could be a surge in cannabis advertising and a shift in public perception about the drug’s safety.
Industry players are watching the developments closely. As Marijuana Moment notes, High Tide Inc. has already expanded into the German medical cannabis market, and companies like Glass House Brands Inc., iAnthus Capital Holdings, and Planet 13 Holdings have reported significant revenues, though some also face notable losses. Meanwhile, celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa are leveraging their brands to expand hemp-infused products and raise awareness about the potential for federal policy change. Wiz Khalifa tweeted, “Within the next few weeks there is a decision being made on rescheduling cannabis from a schedule 1 drug (the same as heroin, etc) to a schedule 3 drug. This is a huge step for cannabis in the United States. Anything we can do to bring attention to this decision will help make this a historic moment.”
State and local governments are also responding to shifting attitudes and regulations. The Texas House Public Health Committee recently held a hearing on a bill to ban consumable hemp products containing any THC, though the legislation is stalled due to a Democratic walkout. In New Jersey, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission has issued guidance for safe and enjoyable use at newly opened consumption lounges. Meanwhile, regulatory bodies in Florida, Ohio, Oregon, and California are considering or implementing changes to cannabis and related product rules.
On the scientific front, recent studies have found that marijuana may be a promising treatment for female orgasmic disorder and that topical CBD gel can improve sleep quality and reduce migraine-related disability. Another study found that psilocybin users had slightly lower depression scores and higher meaning-in-life scores compared to non-users.
With the decision on rescheduling expected imminently, all eyes are on Washington. Whether Trump’s final call will mark a historic turning point or simply another incremental step in America’s long and winding path toward cannabis reform remains to be seen, but the stakes for public health, industry, and politics are unmistakably high.
