The future of marijuana reform in the U.S. might hinge on one thing: whether Donald Trump cares enough to speak up. That’s the stark message coming from former high-ranking officials in the federal agencies at the heart of drug policy—namely the DEA and HHS.
They say the current push to reschedule cannabis could completely stall—or worse, get scrapped—unless Trump actively supports it. And right now, there’s little sign he plans to.
A Process Years in the Making Is Now on Pause
The Biden administration got the ball rolling. HHS conducted a scientific review, DOJ signed off, and all signs pointed toward marijuana being reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III. That would mark a huge shift—essentially recognizing that cannabis has medical value and doesn’t belong in the same category as heroin.
But things didn’t go as smoothly as expected. The process stumbled in its final stretch. Administrative hearings within the DEA hit procedural roadblocks, and nothing has moved since. The hearings paused, and no one knows when or if they’ll start back up again.
That’s a big deal. Because without those hearings? The change can’t happen.
Former Officials Say It’s All About the Oval Office
On Tuesday, during a virtual discussion hosted by Ohio State University’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, former DEA and HHS leaders peeled back the curtain. They say marijuana’s fate is now more political than procedural.
Two key takeaways stood out:
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If Trump doesn’t vocally support rescheduling, don’t expect his administration to push it.
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A new Justice Department might reverse the legal justifications used under Biden to move the process forward in the first place.
So yes, the rescheduling review was backed by DOJ and HHS. But if Trump returns to the White House? Those approvals could be voided with a new legal opinion.
Politics Could Overrule Science—Again
Let’s be honest. Marijuana’s classification has never been purely about science.
The DEA still classifies it as a Schedule I drug. That’s supposed to mean it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. But the reality on the ground tells a different story. Dozens of states have legalized medical cannabis. More than 20 have legalized recreational use. The disconnect is glaring.
And now, politics might override science once again.
“It could be years before we see any movement if the new administration isn’t on board,” one former official said. Another added bluntly: “There’s no guarantee this process survives a political handoff.”
Here’s What Could Happen Next
The big unknown is what Trump’s actual stance on marijuana is—beyond vague comments here and there. In the past, he’s said states should decide. But his administration wasn’t exactly friendly to reform.
And now? It’s all up in the air.
Here’s where things stand:
| Step in the Process | Status Under Biden | Risk Under Trump |
|---|---|---|
| HHS Scientific Review | Completed | Could be ignored |
| DOJ Legal Endorsement | Approved by OLC | Could be reversed |
| DEA Administrative Hearings | Paused | Could be canceled entirely |
| Final Rescheduling Decision | Pending | Uncertain, high risk |
A single change in presidential tone could reshape everything.
What’s at Stake? Billions—And Legitimacy
This isn’t just a legal fight. It’s economic. It’s cultural. It’s public health.
A shift to Schedule III would have real consequences:
• Tax relief for cannabis businesses, who currently can’t deduct normal expenses under federal tax code.
• Expanded access to research funding, allowing scientists to study the plant more freely.
• Symbolic legitimacy for the legal cannabis market, long treated like a black sheep despite serving millions.
So yes, this decision matters. And for now, it’s stuck in limbo.
Voters Want It. The System Might Not Care.
Public support for cannabis legalization has never been higher. Gallup says two-thirds of Americans favor legal weed. Red states, blue states—it’s everywhere.
But federal reform keeps tripping over its own feet.
The Biden administration tried to nudge things forward. It got close. But the machinery of government is slow. And fragile.
Without leadership at the top—without Trump stepping in—it could grind to a halt again.
Just one sentence was dropped during the panel that summed it all up:
“Everything hinges on whether the White House wants this to happen.”
