President Donald Trump is reportedly considering steps to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance, a move that could mark one of the most significant federal cannabis policy shifts in U.S. history. According to a Wall Street Journal report citing individuals familiar with the matter, the president discussed the idea during a high-profile political fundraiser earlier this year.
The exclusive event, hosted at Trump’s New Jersey golf club, was attended by prominent business leaders, political donors, and industry figures. There, President Trump expressed openness to reclassify marijuana, signaling that his administration may be ready to revisit decades-old drug classifications that have limited medical research and restricted the cannabis industry.
Kim Rivers, the chief executive of Trulieve one of the nation’s largest cannabis companies—was among the guests at the fundraiser. Sources say Rivers urged the president to reclassify marijuana while also advocating for expanded medical cannabis research. Advocates argue that such a shift could pave the way for a broader scientific understanding of cannabis and its potential therapeutic uses.
Currently, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This classification asserts that cannabis has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse an assessment many researchers and lawmakers say is outdated. Moving to reclassify marijuana could ease restrictions on universities, scientists, and healthcare providers, enabling more comprehensive research into both benefits and risks.
The economic implications of reclassifying marijuana could also be far-reaching. Cannabis companies currently face steep tax burdens and banking challenges because of federal restrictions. A decision to reclassify marijuana could lower these barriers, allowing legal businesses to operate more freely, expand their markets, and generate additional tax revenue for states and the federal government.
Public opinion has shifted dramatically over the past decade, with the majority of Americans now supporting legalization in some form. More than 20 states have legalized recreational marijuana, and over 35 have approved medical programs. Against this backdrop, President Trump’s willingness to reclassify marijuana aligns with growing bipartisan sentiment that federal cannabis laws need modernization.
While the president’s comments have sparked optimism among advocates, the process to reclassify marijuana would still require coordination between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Even with executive backing, the regulatory changes could take months to finalize.
For now, President Trump’s public interest in reclassify marijuana has injected new momentum into the national conversation one that could redefine cannabis policy for years to come.