2025 Cannabis & the New Administration

Today Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. I did not watch the swearing in.

As I observe the excitement from some in the cannabis industry I find myself intrigued. At no time that I am aware of has DJT been for the federal legalization of cannabis, he has supported states rights but the industry issues lie with the federal government.

On the 9th of January 2025 an article in Reuters by Alexander Malyshev and Sarah Ganley speaks on the limbo state of cannabis. Under President Biden cannabis was on its way to being a Schedule III drug which would alleviate cannabis business costs and 280E hurdles. The process is ongoing with hearings being held from January 21 through March 6, 2025.

It should also be noted many of Trump’s Administrative picks are not pro-cannabis, they have records of opposition and promoting misinformation about cannabis. This tells me that cannabis reform is not on the menu this term.

With Congress in the hands of the GOP legislation like the SAFER banking act, STATES Act and STATES 2.0 are in the balance. SAFER banking act would allow cannabis businesses access to financial services, STATES reform act de-schedules cannabis, imposes excise tax and releases non-violent cannabis offenders. The States 2.0 act amends the CSA to not apply to cannabis produced and sold in compliance with state law. Up until now all of these have had bipartisan support.

Additionally there are some court cases that garner my attention. In New York The State cannabis board is in court for discriminating against out-of-state license applicants; Federal judges feel DCC does not apply to states due to its federal illegality. In Maryland several Massachusetts business are challenging federal prohibition on state regulated cannabis under the CSA with a decision to be issued early in 2025.

I don’t see a pro-cannabis agenda under this administration, the only path ahead I can see is a level of Pay-to-Play that will be a greater disservice to the cannabis industry. Please be safe out there and please be careful. If you are in a legal state get a medical cannabis recommendation if for no other reason than to CYA (cover your ass).

*CSA Controlled Substance Act