The debate over marijuana legalization in the United States has evolved significantly over the past few decades. As more states legalize cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use, the topic remains a key political issue. One prominent figure who has weighed in on this subject is President Donald Trump. His stance on marijuana legalization has been somewhat inconsistent, but it remains an important part of the ongoing national conversation as he prepares to be reinstated as president.
In this article, we’ll explore Donald Trump’s views on marijuana policy, how his administration previously approached cannabis legalization, and what his position might mean for the future of cannabis in America.
During his presidential campaign in 2016, Donald Trump initially suggested he was open to states deciding their own cannabis policies. This stance aligns with the principle of states’ rights — a central theme in his broader political platform. Trump famously stated in an interview with The Washington Post in 2015:
“I’m in favor of Medical Marijuana 100%. I’m in favor of it. I think it’s good. I think it helps people.”
At that time, his comments seemed to reflect a degree of flexibility on marijuana issues, acknowledging the potential benefits of cannabis for medical purposes. His position also indicated that he would not interfere with states that had already legalized recreational or Medical Marijuana.
However, in his first presidential term, Trump’s stance on marijuana legalization became more nuanced, especially as his administration grappled with how to handle marijuana policy at the federal level.
Once in office, Trump’s policy on marijuana legalization became more complex. While he reiterated his support for Medical Marijuana, his administration took some steps that raised concerns for cannabis advocates:
1. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the War on Drugs
Trump’s Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, took a hardline stance on cannabis. Sessions, an outspoken critic of marijuana legalization, rescinded the Obama-era Cole Memo in January 2018. The Cole Memo had provided guidance for federal prosecutors, essentially instructing them not to target state-legal cannabis operations. By rolling back this policy, Sessions created uncertainty in the cannabis industry and caused anxiety among marijuana business owners in states where cannabis was legalized.
Despite Sessions’ actions, Trump himself was somewhat at odds with his Attorney General’s policy. In interviews, Trump suggested he was not overly concerned with state-level legalization, indicating he did not want to see the federal government impose its will on states that had chosen to legalize marijuana.
In 2018, Trump reportedly expressed support for a bill that would allow states to set their own marijuana laws, signaling his preference for state-by-state marijuana legalization.
2. Trump Signs the 2018 Farm Bill Legalizing Hemp
In December 2018, Trump signed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill legalized hemp production and removed it from the Controlled Substances Act, paving the way for the growth of the hemp industry and the widespread availability of hemp-derived products like CBD. While the bill did not address marijuana in its entirety, it marked a significant step in the federal government’s acceptance of cannabis in some form.
3. Support for Medical Marijuana
Despite the mixed signals from his administration, Trump continues to express support for Medical Marijuana. Recently when discussing Florida’s upcoming legalization amendment, he emphasized the need for medical research into the benefits of cannabis and rescheduling to a schedule 3 drug. His support aligned with his general approach to cannabis policy, which seemed to favor a more hands-off, state-directed model for recreational marijuana, but with federal support for medical use.
One of the most consistent aspects of Trump’s stance on marijuana legalization has been his focus on states’ rights. Throughout his first presidency, he maintained that individual states should have the autonomy to decide whether to legalize marijuana for recreational or medical use.
For example, in 2018, Trump indicated he would support marijuana legalization in states where voters had approved it. His position on this issue was largely in line with that of many Republicans who advocate for a more limited role for the federal government in regulating states’ decisions.
While Trump’s first term as president did not result in significant changes to federal marijuana policy, his position has left a lasting impact on the debate over marijuana legalization in the United States.
Several factors may influence whether Trump’s stance will evolve further in coming years, including:
Though Trump’s position seems to err not as progressive as some in the cannabis community had hoped, his preference for allowing states to make their own decisions could still be seen as a step in the right direction. With future administrations and Congress likely to revisit marijuana legalization, Trump’s stance on this issue remains an important part of the broader political landscape.
Though Donald Trump’s initial time in office didn’t bring about significant changes to marijuana policy, his stance on marijuana legalization highlighted the ongoing struggle for federal cannabis reform. His administration’s approach focused on letting states decide while showing some support for Medical Marijuana and the hemp industry.
As we move forward into his second term, marijuana legalization will continue to be a key issue in American politics, particularly as more states legalize cannabis and public opinion shifts. Whether the U.S. will see full federal marijuana legalization under the upcoming Trump administration remains uncertain, but ongoing dialogue and state-level progress will likely continue to shape the future of cannabis policy in America.
In the meantime, UtahMarijuana.org and our affiliated clinic, KindlyMD, is here to help Utahns with qualifying medical conditions gain access to a Utah Medical Marijuana Card. Schedule today to see if Medical Cannabis is right for you.
For those seeking more information on cannabis and its legal status, stay tuned to our website for the latest updates, educational resources, and news on the marijuana legalization movement.
