The White House has largely sidelined the issue of marijuana legalization, despite its widespread popularity. Amid a flurry of executive orders, foreign policy shifts and political spectacles, the Trump administration seems to have neglected what was once a clear trajectory toward reform.

"Unsurprisingly, much has been lost in the shuffle, including one salient, hugely popular issue: legal weed," writes Malcolm Ferguson in the New Republic. "This confusing, disorderly situation is being exacerbated by the fact that President Trump has never held a coherent position on marijuana."

Under President Biden, federal marijuana policy saw notable progress. In October 2022, Biden acknowledged the government's approach to marijuana had been a failure and he moved to reclassify cannabis. This led to a formal recommendation to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which the Drug Enforcement Agency approved in May. However, little has been done since and the issue has disappeared from the national conversation since Trump took office in January.

Meanwhile, corporate cannabis firms continue expanding their dominance, complicating accessibility and consumer protection.

"The dissonance and inconsistency persist all while the drug soars in popularity and accessibility — and while large marijuana corporations rush to establish monopolies," noted Ferguson. 

During Trump's first campaign, he expressed tentative support for medical marijuana while opposing recreational use. Trump's 2024 endorsement of Florida's weed legalization effort appeared more politically motivated than a reflection of a clear stance, noted Ferguson.

And now, with Trump's "right-wing, ‘law and order' Cabinet — it's not clear if he still supports reclassifying marijuana or if his administration even plans to do so." That said, the move toward legalization, Ferguson added, faces two likely paths, both of which could be detrimental to consumers.

One possibility is a corporate-driven legalization approach, heavily influenced by figures such as Elon Musk, who has voiced support for cannabis. If Trump pursues this route, it could lead to industry consolidation by major multi-state operators (MSOs), prioritizing profit over consumer protection.

“This would look like an even worse version of the current landscape,” warned Ferguson, with large companies squeezing out competition and focusing solely on maximizing potency and output.

Or, with Trump's socially conservative Cabinet which nearly across the board opposes legalization, the issue could remain on the back burner indefinitely.

Ultimately, Trump’s marijuana policy may hinge on which faction exerts the most influence — the Musk corporate interest group or the social conservatives. “Either way, both paths place politics, profit and production over people's health, safety and awareness,” Ferguson concludes.

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