Trump’s Attorney General Pick Raises Hope for Cannabis Policy Reform

LOS ANGELES- President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as the next U.S. Attorney General, a move that could significantly influence federal cannabis policy. Gaetz, a vocal advocate for cannabis reform, has previously supported legislation aimed at reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

During his tenure in Congress, Gaetz co-sponsored the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which sought to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level and expunge certain cannabis-related offenses. His consistent support for cannabis reform suggests a potential shift in the Department of Justice’s approach to cannabis regulation.

The nomination has been met with skepticism from some GOP senators, raising questions about Gaetz’s confirmation prospects. Betting markets currently estimate a 36% chance of his confirmation. Despite this uncertainty, industry stakeholders view Gaetz’s nomination as a positive development for cannabis policy, anticipating that, if confirmed, he would advocate for reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III and support state-level legalization efforts.

This nomination comes at a pivotal time for the cannabis industry, following the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) recent decision to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical applications and lower potential for abuse. Gaetz’s appointment could further align federal policies with evolving state regulations and public sentiment favoring cannabis legalization.

As the confirmation process unfolds, the cannabis industry will closely monitor developments, given the potential implications for federal enforcement and regulatory frameworks. Gaetz’s history of supporting cannabis reform positions him as a potentially transformative figure in shaping future U.S. cannabis policy.