President Trump is likely to loosen still-tough federal restrictions on marijuana use early next year, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: While conservatives have long expressed a degree of discomfort with pot, Trump has shown an openness to it.
- Under the plan, Trump would reclassify marijuana, which under federal law is banned and faces the same restrictions as heroin, as a less-dangerous drug. That would ease regulations and make it easier for pot-related medicinal research to be done and create tax breaks for cannabis companies.
- The Washington Post first reported on the expected move.
- A White House official said Thursday that no final decision had been made.
Trump's team has been reviewing survey numbers showing growing support for reclassification.
- Tony Fabrizio, a senior Trump strategist, has been doing work for the pro-cannabis lobby.
The background: Trump in September posted a video on Truth Social which advocated for Medicare coverage for hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
- In August, Trump confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that he was considering reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug, meaning that it would have low abuse potential. As it currently stands, pot is a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use.
- Reclassifying the drug would ease restrictions, make it easier for cannabis companies to transfer their product across state lines, and ease their tax burden.
- Trump's move would not make marijuana federally legal for recreational use.
A number of individual states have taken steps to loosen restrictions on weed use. Two dozen states, three U.S. territories and D.C. have outright legalized it.
By the numbers: Public sentiment on pot use has been shifting for the past half-century, with Americans increasingly in favor of it.
- According to a recent Gallup poll, 64% support legalization, up from 58% in 2015 and 36% in 2005.
Behind the scenes: Cannabis companies have been courting Trump, including by filling his political operation's coffers.
- The pro-cannabis American Rights and Reform PAC has donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned super PAC.
- Several cannabis companies donated to Trump's inaugural fund.
What's next: Some liberals worry that Trump is seeking a political edge by relaxing restrictions.
- A liberal group, the Progressive Turnout Project, recently warned that Trump was threatening to "steal marijuana reform right out from under us."
