A longtime advocate for drug policy reform claims he was invited to submit a proposal on federal marijuana legalization after speaking with a White House official at a recent event. The move suggests the Trump administration may be open to reconsidering its stance on cannabis policy—at least enough to hear arguments from reform advocates.
White House Staffer Expresses Openness to Ideas
Howard Wooldridge, a drug policy specialist with Citizens Against Prohibition (COP), says he had a brief but meaningful exchange with a Trump White House representative at Americans for Tax Reform’s (ATR) weekly “Wednesday Meeting.” The gathering, hosted by conservative activist Grover Norquist, serves as a networking hub for right-leaning policy advocates.
Wooldridge recounted his interaction, saying the official was “very open to any and all suggestions” presented at the meeting. He used his time to advocate for ending the drug war, framing marijuana reform as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.
“I got a couple of minutes with her, just one-on-one,” Wooldridge told Marijuana Moment. “I basically gave her the basics that my organization of law enforcement and citizens would like to see an end to the drug war and make it a medical issue in the macro.”
While he declined to name the staffer, citing the private nature of the ATR meetings, Wooldridge emphasized that the conversation felt productive.
A Conservative Case for Legalization
Wooldridge is now preparing to submit a formal proposal to the administration by the end of the week. His approach focuses on the political advantages of ending federal marijuana prohibition—particularly from a states’ rights perspective, a stance that aligns with traditional Republican principles.
- Legalization could be framed as a matter of state sovereignty, allowing individual states to determine their own cannabis policies without federal interference.
- Federal rescheduling of cannabis and easing banking restrictions for the industry could be presented as economic opportunities rather than ideological concessions.
- Trump has previously voiced support for Florida’s marijuana legalization efforts, making the argument for a broader federal shift potentially more palatable.
Wooldridge is working on the proposal with Don Murphy, a conservative cannabis lobbyist known for advocating within Republican circles.
Trump’s Past Comments on Marijuana Policy
While Trump’s stance on marijuana has been somewhat inconsistent, he has signaled openness to reform in certain contexts.
During his first presidential campaign, he expressed support for states’ rights on cannabis regulation, a position that drew cautious optimism from some legalization advocates. However, his administration took a tougher stance in office, with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinding Obama-era protections that shielded state-legal cannabis businesses from federal prosecution.
In recent years, Trump has made comments endorsing medical marijuana and banking access for cannabis businesses. He also spoke favorably about a Florida marijuana legalization proposal, hinting that he may be open to policy changes—particularly if they align with a broader political strategy.
What This Means for Federal Legalization
The invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee policy change, but it does indicate that the White House is at least willing to listen to arguments for reform. Whether Trump actively embraces legalization as part of his political platform remains to be seen.
One key factor will be how the proposal frames the issue in a way that resonates with Trump’s political interests. If marijuana reform can be positioned as a win for states’ rights, economic growth, and voter support—particularly among younger and libertarian-leaning conservatives—it may stand a better chance of gaining traction.
As the 2024 election approaches, cannabis policy could become an increasingly relevant issue. While the Democratic Party has largely embraced legalization, Republicans remain divided. Some GOP lawmakers support reform on economic and criminal justice grounds, while others oppose it on ideological or moral grounds.
If Trump sees an electoral advantage in backing legalization—especially in swing states with growing cannabis industries—it could become part of his broader political strategy. But for now, it’s just a conversation. Whether it turns into action will depend on the administration’s next move.
