President Trump has indicated he is open to following through on former President Biden’s stalled effort to reschedule marijuana, a move that would fall short of full legalization but could still mark a significant moment for cannabis reform. Speaking to donors earlier this month and later at a press conference, Trump said a decision could come within “the next few weeks.”
The Biden administration had sought to shift marijuana from Schedule I to the less restrictive Schedule III, which would not drastically alter criminal justice policy but would create new opportunities for the industry. While this step in cannabis reform stalled, it would still deliver tax and banking advantages to cannabis businesses.
Adam Smith, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said resistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has long slowed cannabis reform efforts. “The DEA, culturally and historically, has been against reforming cannabis laws,” Smith noted.
Trump’s history on marijuana policy shows occasional support for cannabis reform. In 2024, he posted on Truth Social advocating for an end to arrests for small-scale possession and promoted regulated access to safe, tested products. He also backed Florida’s Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational cannabis but failed to clear the 60% vote threshold despite strong majority support.
Polling reflects widespread support for cannabis reform across party lines. Pew Research found in early 2025 that 87% of Americans favor some form of legalization, either medical, recreational, or both. Supporters argue that rescheduling marijuana could align with Republican values around states’ rights and personal freedom, further legitimizing cannabis reform in conservative circles.
Rescheduling is different from full legalization, but it would ease restrictions that currently prevent cannabis businesses from deducting expenses under federal tax law. This change could have major financial implications, making it one of the most impactful steps in cannabis reform to date.
A favorable outcome could set the stage for a formal hearing and move cannabis reform forward within months.
Critics, however, warn that rescheduling could supercharge commercialization. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, argued that it would primarily benefit businesses through tax breaks and expanded advertising, potentially complicating the public health side of cannabis reform.
As the political debate unfolds, Trump’s stance could determine whether marijuana rescheduling becomes the next big milestone in America’s evolving journey toward comprehensive cannabis reform.