Cannabis Reform Stalls, Former Republican Calls for Action

LOS ANGELES – Former Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), renowned for his decades-long advocacy for cannabis reform, is sounding the alarm over the Trump administration’s failure to advance federal cannabis policy. The retired congressman, who co-founded the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, expressed deep frustration at the stalled progress since leaving Congress last session. “I’m more than a little concerned that it looks like we’ve lost some momentum,” he said, pointing to a fading bipartisan spirit that once fueled reform efforts on Capitol Hill.

Blumenauer, who spent decades championing cannabis policy at both state and federal levels, took pride in forging productive alliances with Republicans during his tenure. “Particularly for cannabis, we found ways to work together,” he noted. However, he fears those partnerships have weakened, with few GOP allies, beyond stalwarts like Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), stepping up. “It’s not clear that we’ve got Republican partners now,” he said, adding that he’s debating a “cannabis tour” to rekindle the drive he helped build.

The lack of movement comes amid what Blumenauer called “totally crazy times” in Congress, with a key budget bill aka Big Beautiful Bill consuming lawmakers’ attention. The Cannabis Caucus itself hasn’t met once this session, though a spokesperson for Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), a Democratic co-chair, said staffers are in touch and a formal meeting is expected soon. Meanwhile, Joyce has reintroduced the H.R.2934 – STATES 2.0 Act, aiming to end federal prohibition in legalized states while establishing a basic regulatory framework.

At the administrative level, hopes for reform are dim. President Donald Trump endorsed rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III during his campaign, but has remained silent since taking office. Blumenauer suggested Trump could see political upside in claiming a win on the issue, calling him “semi-rational” in such calculations.

Trump’s picks for key roles add to the uncertainty. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), initially tapped for Attorney General, voiced support for rescheduling, framing it as a way to attract young voters. However, Trump’s confirmed DOJ head, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R), opposed medical cannabis legalization in her state role and dodged marijuana policy questions during Senate hearings. Similarly, DEA nominee Terrance Cole has linked marijuana to youth suicide risks [?] but promised to prioritize the rescheduling review if confirmed, without tipping his hand on the outcome.

The rescheduling process, inherited from the Biden administration, remains on hold, with no hearings scheduled, according to DEA updates. Congressional researchers recently noted that lawmakers could bypass the administrative logjam by legislating reform directly, offering “greater speed and flexibility.” Blumenauer, however, expressed anguish over the standstill: “It pains me that after so much hard work and real progress, we appear to be in a state of limbo.”

Despite the gridlock, Blumenauer remains hopeful, saying:

“Ultimately, we will get there. It just shouldn’t be this hard.”

For now, with 38 states legalizing cannabis and public support exceeding 70%, the federal government’s inaction continues to widen the chasm between state and national policies, leaving advocates like Blumenauer urging renewed action.

Photo Courtesy: House Creative Services, Kristie Baxter