The topic of cannabis reform may not seem that divisive, given that the vast majority of Americans support some type of legalization. However, that all changes when you reach the highest levels of government, where opinions on the topic range widely. As people eagerly await decisions on the federal regulation of hemp and potential rescheduling of cannabis, federal officials are sending mixed signals on what’s ahead.
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Last weekend, a video was posted on President Trump’s social media page touting the benefits of CBD for older adults. It called for Medicare coverage of hemp-based CBD products as well as more education for the healthcare community on the endocannabinoid system.
Many viewed this as an endorsement by Trump of CBD. The president has made public comments about the potential of medical marijuana, saying it has “helped many people.”
Washington insiders believe Trump will soon call for the rescheduling of cannabis on the federal level, a process that was started by his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Trump seemingly confirmed a decision on the matter was imminent, although it remained unclear at the time which way things would go. The pro-CBD video led to widespread speculation that the president would indeed move forward with rescheduling.
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Days later, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released messaging that seems less than friendly toward the plant. As first reported by Marijuana Moment, DHS officials released a press release discussing an August “surge” in drug seizures by the CBP. In the release, marijuana was called a “deadly drug” grouped alongside heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Marijuana Moment also pointed to a social media post from CBP reminding travelers that cannabis remains illegal on the federal level.
“This means that selling, possessing, producing, or distributing both medical and recreational cannabis is illegal! Think twice before crossing the border with marijuana. Doing so could lead to serious consequences like seizure, hefty fines, or even arrest! ” the post reads.
🚨 Attention, travelers! Did you know that marijuana is still a controlled substance under U.S. federal law? This means that selling, possessing, producing, or distributing both medical and recreational cannabis is illegal! Think twice before crossing the border with marijuana.… pic.twitter.com/i0ufyMyulV
— CBP (@CBP) September 30, 2025
Members of Trump’s cabinet also remain split on the subject of cannabis. Some, like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., are in favor of drug policy reform. Others, like Drug Enforcement Agency head Terrance Cole, have previously been steadfast in their support of prohibition.
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Meanwhile, congressional legislators are divided on the hemp market. They’re considering rolling back a piece of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp with no more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight, something that could decimate the industry.
Cannabis may no longer be a bipartisan issue in America, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at the mixed messages coming out of Washington. With so much division surrounding the plant, it’s unclear whether reform efforts will actually come to fruition anytime soon.
