Trump’s Pick for Attorney General: A Game-Changer for Federal Cannabis Policy?

Donald Trump’s surprising nomination of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as attorney general signals a seismic shift in federal cannabis policy. Gaetz, a vocal proponent of cannabis reform, stands in stark contrast to Trump’s previous attorneys general, Jeff Sessions and William Barr, both of whom staunchly opposed cannabis legalization efforts. This nomination could mark a turning point for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the broader cannabis landscape.

Under Sessions, the DOJ took a hardline stance on cannabis, rescinding the Obama-era Cole Memo that had directed federal authorities to take a hands-off approach to state-legal cannabis operations. Sessions argued that marijuana should remain federally illegal, asserting that “good people don’t smoke marijuana.” Barr, who succeeded Sessions, was no ally to cannabis reform either, favoring a uniform federal prohibition on cannabis.

In stark contrast, Gaetz brings a legislative record that champions cannabis reform. Since 2017, he has introduced and supported multiple bipartisan bills to reclassify cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), protect state-legal cannabis operations, and provide safe banking access to the industry. His nomination represents a remarkable departure from the anti-cannabis policies of previous administrations, signaling a potential pivot to more progressive federal cannabis laws.

Trump’s decision to nominate a pro-cannabis attorney general reflects a growing acknowledgment of cannabis reform as a politically advantageous issue. With polls showing widespread bipartisan support for legalization, Trump appears to be aligning with public sentiment and appealing to a broader voter base.

The move also starkly contrasts with Trump’s first term, during which his administration actively hindered cannabis reform efforts. In 2018, Sessions’ revocation of the Cole Memo reignited fears among cannabis businesses that federal crackdowns could resume, while Barr’s lack of action on cannabis banking left the industry in limbo.

David Culver, senior vice president for public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, called Gaetz’s nomination “a promising signal for the next phase of federal cannabis reform.” Industry stakeholders are hopeful that Gaetz’s appointment could pave the way for policies that enhance the legal cannabis industry’s growth and stability.

While Gaetz’s confirmation still hinges on Senate approval, his nomination alone underscores the growing political momentum for cannabis reform. Should he take the helm at the DOJ, cannabis policy in the U.S. could experience its most transformative era yet, potentially reshaping the industry and federal law for years to come.

Do you think a pro-cannabis attorney general could finally lead to federal legalization?