The election dust has settled, and the bigger picture of what the second Trump administration may look like is becoming clear. The president-elect is firming up his cabinet picks (many of which are proving to be controversial). Now, the nominees will be vetted and approved by Congress, where denials are somewhat rare.
Government policy is heavily influenced by cabinet leaders, who advise the president on topics related to their posts. While many issues fall under their purview, some wonder where efforts to reform cannabis laws will land. According to Rep. Nolan West, a GOP member of Minnesota’s state government, Republicans are more apt than ever to move the needle forward.
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“Because it was on the ballot in Florida, you got to see Trump’s opinion on it, which I think reflects the opinion of the vast majority of Republicans,” West told GreenState.
“Donald Trump is famously anti-drug and anti-alcohol in his personal life, but as far as other people’s personal lives, whatever floats your boat. I think it reflects the broader view of the public and the Republican Party that it’s up to the individual whether they participate in it, and that gives me a little optimism about something happening at the federal level.”
So, where do Trump’s cabinet nominees stand on weed? It turns out some may support the cause, while other ranking members of the president’s administration may need some convincing.
The picks on pot
Several potential Trump appointees are considered friendly toward cannabis reform. The two most vocal (and arguably, most controversial nominees) are Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK Jr.).
Gaetz, who has been nominated for the Attorney General position, is one of the most pro-pot Republicans in Congress. He co-sponsored the MORE Act, which would have legalized cannabis on the federal level, and has consistently voted in favor of reform. Gaetz also supported the legalization of medical cannabis during his state as a Florida state representative. The Congressman faces an uphill battle in confirmation proceedings due to alleged ethical breaches and sexual misconduct.
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Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee RFK Jr. has been outspoken about his support for legalizing both marijuana and psychedelics. During his presidential run, the politician said he would use tax revenue from the legal cannabis market to fund drug rehabilitation. Kennedy was inspired by his own struggles with substance abuse in his youth. RFK Jr. is another notably controversial pick, given his anti-vaccine stance, which includes spreading misinformation that they cause autism (they do not).
Another pro-pot cabinet pick is Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has been selected as the Director of National Intelligence. The Democrat from Hawaii introduced a bill to deschedule cannabis in 2017 and has supported the use of CBD for military members. While Gabbard would not have an active role in cannabis policy like Gaetz or RFK Jr., her appointment adds to the pro-cannabis rhetoric in Trump’s ear.
Additionally, tech billionaire Elon Musk has become a key Trump advisor. Musk famously smoked a joint on Joe Rogan’s podcast despite telling the host he rarely consumes. It’s unclear if Musk favors reform, but his experience with cannabis and ketamine may inform his opinions and influence how he advises Trump on the matter.
Who may impede progress
Of course, not everyone in Trump’s cabinet is on board with federal marijuana legalization. Secretary of State pick Marco Rubio has been clear about his opposition to legal pot, calling it a “gateway drug.” The Republican senator from Florida has said that if cannabis is indeed a medicine, it should be approved by the FDA, leaving some to wonder if he does indeed favor the rescheduling process.
Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia is a wild card. The Republican nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) repeatedly voted against proposed changes to the agency’s cannabis policies. However, he did vote in favor of protecting state-legal medical marijuana programs toward the end of his Congressional tenure in 2019.
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The Republican party will also control both the Senate and the House for at least the next two years, which will heavily influence cannabis policy. Both Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune of South Dakota and Majority Whip-elect John Barrasso of Wyoming have maintained anti-pot stances. However, Thune has reportedly said he will do his part to advance Trump’s policies. If that includes cannabis reform, so be it.
It’s difficult to predict what policies will be enacted during Trump’s tenure, but many in the cannabis space are hopeful some type of change is ahead. It may not be the full legalization Democrat Kamala Harris promised, but removing some restrictions may still bode well for the pot business. Just not for consumers or people still in prison.
