Ricky Williams Urges Trump to Advance Cannabis Rescheduling Despite Policy Pushback

WASHINGTON – Retired NFL player Ricky Williams has renewed calls for President Trump to reclassify Cannabis to Schedule III, positioning the change as vital for medical access and economic stability in an op-ed that highlights his personal reliance on the substance post-career.

Published Sunday in USA Today, Williams detailed how Cannabis supported his recovery from physical injuries and mental strain after 11 seasons in professional football. “It made me a better version of myself,” he stated, extending the argument to include veterans, cancer patients, and families managing chronic conditions. Under current Schedule I rules, which equate Cannabis with drugs like heroin, federal limits block broad research, impose steep taxes on businesses via IRS Section 280E, and restrict banking services.

The appeal aligns with Trump’s recent statements on the matter. During an August 11 briefing, the president indicated his team is reviewing reclassification and anticipates a resolution shortly, citing medical benefits while expressing reservations about wider implications. “We’re going to look at it,” Trump said, adding that a decision could come in weeks. The proposal, initially floated by the DEA in 2024 to acknowledge Cannabis’ therapeutic value and reduced risk profile, remains stalled pending administrative hearings as of March.

Williams, now 48, operates Highsman, a Cannabis brand featuring strains tailored for performance and relaxation, which merged with a hemp firm last year to broaden distribution. In July, he joined figures like Mike Tyson in White House discussions with Trump aides, advocating for rescheduling alongside banking reforms under the SAFER Act. A coalition letter from athletes, including Kevin Durant and Allen Iverson, criticized prior administration inaction on clemency and justice reforms.

Supporters point to state-level successes: Regulated markets have generated substantial revenue for public services, cut opioid fatalities, and diminished minor drug charges. Williams contends rescheduling would undermine illegal operations, including those linked to foreign funding and fentanyl, by bolstering tested, legal alternatives.

Resistance has mounted, however. On Monday, anti-drug, law enforcement, and faith-based organizations petitioned Trump to reject the shift, arguing it could weaken enforcement and increase youth exposure. Critics also note rising daily use rates and potential conflicts with odor-based searches.

Investor sentiment reflects uncertainty. Cannabis shares climbed after Trump’s remarks but face volatility tied to the outcome. No matter how you slice it, this dialogue marks a critical juncture:

Rescheduling could unlock new paths for patients, entrepreneurs, and communities, aligning policy with science and lived experience. Yet, with opposition underscoring risks, the decision rests on balancing access with accountability. As voices like Williams amplify the call for change, the nation awaits a choice that could redefine health, justice, and opportunity in the Cannabis sector for generations.

Photo courtesy of highsman.com