President Trump’s Role in Cannabis Rescheduling and Federal Reform

LOS ANGELES- President Donald Trump is poised to significantly influence the trajectory of federal cannabis policy, particularly concerning the rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The rescheduling process, initiated under the previous administration, is currently paused, awaiting the appointment of a new head for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by President Trump. The selected DEA chief’s stance on cannabis will be pivotal in determining the outcome of rescheduling efforts.

During his campaign, President Trump expressed support for reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, acknowledging its medical benefits and potentially easing restrictions on research and banking for cannabis businesses.

However, his recent appointment of Michael S. Maltz as the new DEA administrator has raised concerns within the industry. Maltz has previously voiced opposition to cannabis rescheduling, suggesting a potential shift in the administration’s approach.

In parallel, the formation of the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable—a coalition of major cannabis companies—aims to advocate for federal reforms, including rescheduling and improved banking access. This group’s efforts highlight the industry’s anticipation of policy changes under the current administration.

The future of federal cannabis reform remains uncertain, contingent upon forthcoming decisions by President Trump and his administration’s appointees. Stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing their profound implications for the cannabis industry’s regulatory landscape.