Former President Donald Trump is signaling one of his boldest policy pivots yet, telling aides and close allies that he’s ready to take on federal marijuana laws — and the potential consequences could ripple across the country’s economy, criminal justice system, and even international trade. While some see it as a political gamble aimed at capturing younger and independent voters, others warn that his approach could bring as much chaos as it does change.
Multiple sources familiar with Trump’s private conversations told investigative reporters that he’s been weighing a sweeping reclassification of cannabis under federal law, moving it out of the most restrictive category — where it currently sits alongside heroin — into a classification that would allow for regulated sales nationwide. If implemented, it would represent one of the most significant shifts in American drug policy in decades.
Right now, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level despite being legal for recreational use in 24 states and for medical purposes in 38. This legal limbo has caused ongoing conflicts between state laws and federal enforcement, leaving businesses operating in the cannabis sector struggling with banking restrictions, tax burdens, and limited access to interstate commerce. Experts told national outlets that Trump’s proposal, if genuine, could instantly eliminate many of those barriers.
But the idea isn’t without its complications. Critics argue that Trump’s rumored plan — which insiders say could involve both legislative proposals and executive actions — leaves unanswered questions about regulation, taxation, and public safety. “It’s not just about removing marijuana from the DEA’s highest schedule,” one policy analyst told reporters. “It’s about what happens next, and whether the federal government is prepared to manage the fallout.”
NEW: Trump privately discussing federal marijuana reclassification — could upend decades of policy. Some allies urge caution. 🌿🇺🇸— US Politics Watch (@USPoliticsWatch) August 9, 2025
Trump has not publicly confirmed the exact details, but during a recent rally in Michigan, he dropped a cryptic hint: “We’re going to make sure the government is no longer standing in the way of people making their own choices about their lives.” The remark drew cheers from younger attendees but also groans from more conservative voters — a sign of the political tightrope he’s walking. According to recent polling data, 88% of U.S. adults support some form of marijuana legalization, but the country remains split on how far it should go.
Behind closed doors, Trump is said to be studying models from states like Colorado and California, where cannabis sales have generated billions in tax revenue but also raised concerns about black-market persistence and youth access. A recent Colorado audit found that illicit operations still thrive despite legal retail options, something federal reform advocates say could be addressed by standardizing national regulations.
Industry insiders are already reacting. Dispensary owners in states with strict rules, like Florida, told local journalists they’re cautiously optimistic, noting that federal banking reform alone could save them hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in cash-handling costs. “We operate like we’re in the 1800s,” one owner said. “If this goes through, it’s a game-changer.”
Some former Trump administration officials are skeptical he’ll follow through, pointing to his past support for harsher penalties on drug offenses. In 2018, Trump expressed openness to letting states decide their own marijuana laws but stopped short of endorsing full-scale reform. “You have to remember, this is Trump,” one former adviser told a national newspaper. “He’s looking at the political map, not necessarily the policy map.”
If Trump actually moves to reclassify marijuana federally, the 2024 election map could shift overnight. #Election2025— Political Analysis Hub (@PoliAnalysisHub) August 9, 2025
Advocacy groups, including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, say they’ve been quietly lobbying both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to support federal changes. “If Trump puts his name on this, it becomes a bipartisan win overnight,” one lobbyist said. But some fear that tying marijuana reform to Trump’s brand could polarize an issue that currently enjoys broad support across party lines.
Medical professionals have also weighed in, with mixed reactions. Some doctors told health reporters that broader legalization could help patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD access treatment without fear of legal repercussions. Others warn about potential public health consequences, citing increases in cannabis-related ER visits in states that legalized early.
Internationally, a federal U.S. shift could have far-reaching effects. Canada, which legalized marijuana nationwide in 2018, has been lobbying for freer cross-border trade of cannabis products. If Trump moves forward, U.S.-Canada marijuana commerce could become a multi-billion-dollar industry — though it would likely face resistance from nations still enforcing strict anti-drug policies. A foreign policy analyst noted that the move could also undercut Mexican drug cartels’ marijuana operations, potentially shifting their criminal focus to other substances.
International cannabis trade could explode if the U.S. reclassifies marijuana — and Trump knows it. 🌎💰— Global Business Report (@GlobalBizRep) August 9, 2025
One of the thorniest questions is taxation. Federal legalization advocates argue for a modest excise tax to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and addiction treatment programs. But sources told business reporters that Trump has floated the idea of sharply reduced taxes on cannabis to encourage legal market growth — a move critics say could deprive states of crucial revenue. “If the tax is too low, you’re just giving a gift to big corporations,” warned one economist.
Law enforcement groups are split. Some police unions see potential benefits in freeing up resources currently spent on low-level marijuana offenses, allowing them to focus on violent crime. Others fear a spike in impaired driving and public safety incidents. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund recently published a report warning that legalization without strict impairment testing could “flood the roads with unsafe drivers.”
For Trump, the move could also be about legacy. With the 2024 election still fresh in voters’ minds, rebranding himself as a reformer on a hot-button issue could reshape his political identity. One campaign strategist told Axios reporters that the potential impact is enormous: “You’re talking about touching criminal justice, healthcare, trade, agriculture, and civil rights all in one stroke.”
Still, the clock is ticking. Legislative experts note that any significant change to federal marijuana policy would require cooperation from Congress, where both parties are deeply divided. Even if Trump pursues executive action through the Department of Justice or DEA, lawsuits from opposition groups could delay implementation for years.
Meanwhile, cannabis stocks have surged on speculation. Shares of major marijuana companies jumped as much as 25% after early reports of Trump’s interest in reform. Analysts at MarketWatch say investor optimism hinges on whether the administration backs up its talk with concrete policy.
Cannabis stocks rally after reports Trump may push federal marijuana reform. Wall Street is paying attention. 📈🌿— Market Daily (@MarketDaily) August 9, 2025
For everyday Americans, the stakes are just as high. In states where marijuana is still illegal, a federal change could mean immediate access for patients and consumers without fear of arrest. For those with past convictions, it could open the door to expungements and restored rights. “This is about freedom and fairness,” said one advocate at a rally covered by The Hill. “And it’s about time.”
Whether Trump is serious or simply testing the political waters remains to be seen. But if his track record is any indication, the conversation alone will dominate headlines — and could force other presidential hopefuls to take a definitive stance. For now, both Wall Street and Main Street are watching closely, waiting to see if America’s most polarizing political figure will become its most unlikely cannabis reformer.
