Since taking office in January, President Trump has remained silent on the issue of cannabis reform. This comes despite campaign trail comments expressing favorable views of changing federal policy. While many people have speculated on whether or not Trump will indeed reclassify the plant, the president finally broke his silence at a recent fundraiser.
As reported in The Wall Street Journal and CNN, Trump is considering relaxing federal restrictions on marijuana. The topic of reform came up during the million-dollar-a-plate dinner in New Jersey, and Trump acknowledged an interest in it.
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Kim Rivers, CEO of major multi-state cannabis operator Trulieve, apparently kickstarted the conversation. She reportedly encouraged Trump to reclassify cannabis and expand studies of the plant’s medical benefits. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Trump listened and said he was interested.”
“We need to look at that,” Trump said at the event. “That’s something we’re going to look at.”
Rivers was also reported to be at Trump’s inauguration celebration and has the president’s ear on the topic of cannabis. She recently said on stage at a major marijuana conference that she believes Trump will keep his campaign trail promises on pot.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Wall Street Journal that cannabis reform is still on the table but refrained from offering specifics.
“All policy and legal requirements and implications are being considered,” she said. “The only interest guiding the president’s policy decisions is what is in the best interest of the American people.”
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At a White House press conference on Monday, Trump said, “We’ll make a determination over the next few weeks” with regard to reclassifying marijuana. However, he did not offer any further information on which way the administration may sway, adding, “Some people like it, some people hate it.”
Insider opinions on the president’s position remain mixed. James Hagedorn, CEO of Scott’s Miracle-Gro (which has a company in the cannabis industry), said Trump has told him privately he plans to reclassify marijuana. However, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer recently said reform would not happen under the current administration.
While the future of cannabis under Trump remains hazy, it appears the White House is at least discussing it. It remains to be seen how or if they will act, but with midterms just around the corner, marijuana will likely be a hot topic.
