This year, we saw the induction of the 47th president, Donald Trump. (Also only the second president to serve two terms non-consecutively.) With this new president, many people are wondering about the legal status of (you guessed it) weed.
In other words, will Trump legalize weed? What is his viewpoint on the plant, and will the country see any federal or state changes regarding cannabis?
Here’s what we know so far.
Trump and Marijuana: The History
Taking it back to the 90s, Trump was notoriously pro-drug legalization — including cannabis. However, this position began to shift during his first presidential run.
He expressed support for medical marijuana, stating he was “a hundred percent in favor” due to its benefits for individuals with serious health issues.
But, when it came to recreational marijuana use, Trump believed it should be a state-level decision, emphasizing the importance of observing outcomes in states like Colorado before making a definitive judgment.
During his first presidency, Trump made a few moves that made residents hesitant about his future handling of cannabis legalization. This includes rescinding an Obama-era piece of legislation that protected state rights over federal laws when it came to marijuana and the drug enforcement administration.
Thankfully, significant crackdowns on cannabis never materialized.
This leaves many people confused and unsure about the Trump administration’s stance on cannabis legalization. With the Biden administration announcing the pardoning of federal cannabis crimes with not much action, US stoners all want to know what is going to happen next.
So, Will Trump Legalize Weed?
Ah, the million-dollar question: will Donald Trump legalize weed during his presidency?
The answer is, of course, we do not know. Right now, cannabis legalization is not at the top of his list of priorities it seems. But, that could change.
Back in 2024, we saw President Trump advocate for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, giving some people hope regarding cannabis reform. He also advocated for reclassifying marijuana under federal law to facilitate medical research and banking reforms for cannabis businesses.
So, do we think he’s going to fully legalize weed during his term? Probably not. It’s important to remember that Donald Trump is a conservative president, and the majority of conservative leaders and parties do not align with cannabis legalization.
Still, with his apparent openness to marijuana reform, it’s possible that the Trump administration could support incremental federal changes and common sense laws, such as rescheduling marijuana, facilitating banking for cannabis businesses, or even legalizing marijuana under certain conditions.
But, at the end of the day, full-scale federal legalization would depend on whether he perceives it as politically advantageous — and whether Congress aligns.
Marijuana Laws in 2025: What’s on the Docket?
Other than full-fledged cannabis legalization, what can residents look forward to this year regarding legislation and reform?
Here’s a quick breakdown of potential cannabis laws and legislation:
Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA): Reintroduced in May 2024 by Senators Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, and Ron Wyden, the CAOA aims to decriminalize cannabis federally, expunge certain cannabis-related offenses, and invest in communities adversely affected by the War on Drugs.
Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act: Initially introduced as the SAFE Banking Act, this legislation was reintroduced in September 2023 with revisions. It seeks to provide protections for financial institutions that offer services to legitimate cannabis-related businesses, addressing challenges these businesses face due to federal banking regulations. The Senate Banking Committee approved the bill in September 2023 and is awaiting further action.
Indiana: Lawmakers have proposed multiple bills regarding cannabis reform. House Bill 1630 aims to legalize and regulate cannabis for adult use.
Kentucky: Senator David Yates introduced two bills: one to decriminalize marijuana possession and expunge certain cannabis convictions, and another to present the issue of adult-use marijuana legalization to voters.
Kansas: Efforts to legalize medical marijuana have been ongoing, with recent legislative sessions considering bills to permit medical use. While previous attempts have not been enacted, advocacy groups anticipate renewed efforts in 2025.
Wisconsin: Advocacy groups expect renewed efforts to legalize marijuana in 2025.
Enjoy Cannabis Now With an MMJ Card
I wouldn’t suggest holding your breath when it comes to federal marijuana legalization. Instead, it’s best to enjoy your legal, high-quality cannabis products now with the help of a medical marijuana card.
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