As someone who has been a medical cannabis advocate for over 2 decades, I’ve been watching the return of a Trump administration with caution. Many had high hopes for what another term might mean for cannabis. During the 2024 election, Trump expressed support for cannabis rescheduling and patient access, and even said he intended to vote for the legalization measure on the Florida ballot. That last comment was likely a jab at his former Republican ticket rival, Governor Ron DeSantis, who led the campaign against the initiative.
But as we know all too well in this field, campaign talk doesn’t always translate into executive action. And in Trump’s case, despite the fanfare, cannabis policy hasn’t just stalled—it’s been largely ignored in favor of other priorities. That’s not entirely surprising; after all, the President of the United States doesn’t have the power to unilaterally legalize cannabis or provide tax relief without Congressional action. Still, there were plenty of moves Trump could have made in his first 100 days through executive orders and key appointments. Unfortunately, none of those have favored medical cannabis.
First 100 Days Recap:
His Appointments
Attorney General – Pam Bondi
Pam Bondi ran a campaign against expanding Florida’s medical cannabis law as state AG. As Florida’s Attorney General, Bondi opposed efforts to expand medical cannabis law and served on President Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. That commission rejected evidence suggesting that medical cannabis is associated with reductions in opioid use and mortality and expressed concern that access to cannabis could worsen the Opioid Crisis.
Acting DEA Administrator – Derek S. Maltz
Derek S. Maltz has not exactly been a voice of progress. In an interview with the Associated Press, he said:
“It’s crystal clear to me that the Justice Department hijacked the rescheduling process, placing politics above public safety.”
“If there’s scientific evidence to support this decision, then so be it. But you’ve got to let the scientists evaluate it.”
Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia – Edward Robert Martin Jr.
Martin has already made waves, sending a threat letter to a licensed medical cannabis dispensary on April 25, 2025, along with a press release titled: “U.S. Attorney Martin Sends Letter to Green Theory Pot Dispensary for Violation of Federal Law.”
In the letter, he warned:
“As you likely know, there are numerous federal laws governing and even prohibiting the distribution and possession of marijuana, including provisions of the controlled substances act,” Martin told the dispensary’s owners. “Persons and entities owning, operating, or facilitating such dispensaries … may be subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions.”
Executive Orders
So far, none of the 141 Executive Orders issued in Trump’s first 100 days have addressed medical cannabis. That’s despite the fact that he could have:
- Stopped evictions of medical cannabis patients in federal housing
- Allowed VA doctors to recommend cannabis
- Stopped drug testing federal employees for cannabis
Cannabis Rescheduling & DEA Hearings
Still in limbo. However, his nominee for DEA, Terrance Cole, said he would make the rescheduling process “one of my first priorities” if he is confirmed. However, he did not give Senators at his confirmation hearing any indication of how he would proceed.
What Happens When He Has to Work with Congress?
On July 9, 2024, in an effort led by the GOP committee members, the House Appropriations Committee passed a version of the CJS (Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies) appropriations bill that included language (Section 623) to block cannabis rescheduling efforts and an amendment (Section 531(b)) could allow federal interference in state medical programs and impose harsher penalties.
And in the Senate? The next day, 25 Republican Senators and Congressmen sent a letter to AG Merrick Garland condemning the rescheduling process as “politically motivated and unsupported by science.”
Several of those signatories now hold major leadership positions in the 119th Congress:
- John Thune (R-SD) – Senate GOP Leadership
- Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) – GOP Policy Committee Chair
- James Lankford (R-OK) – GOP Policy Committee Vice-Chair
- Jerry Moran (R-KS) – New Chair of Appropriations, CJS Subcommittee
And signatories to the letter now chair key committees on medical cannabis policy, including Ag, Health, and Justice appropriations.
If President Trump wants to get anything done with Congress, he may be willing to trade in his campaign support for medical cannabis for other priorities in his agenda.
Project 2025: A Cautionary Blueprint
While President Trump claims he hasn’t read Project 2025, it’s clear that his administration is operating in alignment with it. There are troubling signs that policies outlined in the Project could be used to crack down on medical cannabis under the guise of restoring “rule of law.” Consider these excerpts:
“The DOJ can provide critical technical support for local law enforcement and play a critical agenda-setting role.” (p. 548)
“Use applicable federal laws to bring federal charges against criminals when local jurisdictions wrongfully allow them to evade responsibility.” (p. 553)
“Rigorously prosecute as much interstate drug activity as possible, including simple possession of distributable quantities.” (p. 554)
“Aggressively deploy the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)…” (p. 555)
In plain terms: this could mean renewed raids, prosecutions, and interference in state-legal medical cannabis programs.
Return to “Drug War” Rhetoric
After a decade of retirement, the “War on Drugs” is back.
President Donald Trump
“We are launching a renewed War on Drugs to eliminate the scourge of fentanyl and restore safety to our communities.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi
“The War on Drugs is back, and this time we’re taking the fight directly to the cartels fueling the opioid crisis.”
DEA Administrator Derek Maltz
“We’re building an international coalition—an army of good—to wage the War on Drugs against these criminal organizations.”
What We Hope for the Rest of Trump’s Presidency
It’s not too late to get it right. If the President truly supports medical cannabis, here’s what we urge him to do next:
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- Stop evictions of medical cannabis patients in federal housing.
- Allow VA doctors to recommend cannabis.
- End drug testing of federal employees for cannabis.
- Reinstate the Cole Memo to guide federal cannabis enforcement.
- Create the Office of Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoid Control (OMC) under HHS.
- Ask Congress for comprehensive medical cannabis legislation.
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What should medical cannabis advocates do?
What we have always done: Speak up until federal policy reflects science, compassion, and the will of the people. Join us in DC for the Patient First Summit & Lobby Day, May 18 & 19: RSVP Now!
