Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as Acting U.S. Attorney in D.C., Replacing Marijuana-Adversarial Prosecutor with CBD Advocate
In a significant move that could reshape federal attitudes toward cannabis enforcement in the nation’s capital, President Donald Trump has appointed Jeanine Pirro-a Fox News host and board member of a leading CBD company-as acting U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. Pirro replaces Ed Martin, a prosecutor who made headlines for threatening legal action against a compliant medical marijuana dispensary. This appointment not only signals a possible shift in the federal government’s approach to cannabis policy, but also highlights the complex interplay between law, politics, and the evolving cannabis industry in the United States.
Background: A Tale of Two Prosecutors
Ed Martin’s Strict Approach
Ed Martin, Trump’s initial nominee for the role, quickly established a reputation for his tough stance on cannabis. Martin’s most notable action was sending a stern warning to Green Theory, a medical marijuana dispensary operating legally under D.C. law. He cited federal statutes that prohibit cannabis businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of schools, despite the dispensary’s compliance with all local regulations.
Martin’s public statements further underscored his enforcement-first philosophy. He warned that those selling marijuana without proper licensing would face enforcement measures, stating, “Anybody selling marijuana better have a license and everything in order.” He also acknowledged that dispensary closures are not his highest priority at the moment. He made it clear that any perceived violations of federal law would not be tolerated. This approach sparked concern among medical cannabis patients, dispensary operators, and advocates, who feared that federal intervention could undermine local autonomy and patient access.
The Political Fallout
Martin’s nomination was ultimately derailed by controversies unrelated to marijuana policy, but his hard-line position on cannabis enforcement remained a point of contention. Even after withdrawing his nomination, President Trump continued to praise Martin, indicating that his views on law enforcement were still valued by the administration.
Enter Jeanine Pirro: A New Direction?
Pirro’s Legal and Media Credentials
Jeanine Pirro brings a diverse background to the role of acting U.S. attorney. A former judge and district attorney in New York, Pirro is best known for her work as the host of “Justice with Judge Jeanine” on Fox News. Her legal career has seen her preside over a variety of cases, including those related to marijuana, though she has generally avoided taking strong public positions on cannabis policy.
From Skeptic to Advocate: Pirro’s CBD Journey
Pirro’s relationship with the cannabis industry began in earnest in 2019, when she joined the board of HeavenlyRx, a CBD company focused on wellness products. Pirro, who initially questioned the value of cannabis-derived therapies, emerged as a prominent advocate for CBD following an outpouring of testimonials highlighting its potential benefits. She explained, “I now understand there are tremendous benefits outside the assembly line of traditional medical and pharmaceutical dictates.” Her involvement with HeavenlyRx was framed as an opportunity to “help people access fantastic wellness options that are both natural and physically and emotionally beneficial.”
Despite her advocacy for CBD, Pirro has consistently drawn a distinction between medical and recreational cannabis. In response to a 2012 social media post, she clarified, “Medical marijuana is different than legalizing,” signaling her reluctance to endorse full-scale legalization.
The Policy Context: Cannabis in Washington, D.C.
D.C.’s Unique Legal Landscape
Washington, D.C. occupies a unique position in the national debate over cannabis. While voters approved the legalization of recreational possession and personal cultivation in 2014, Congress has repeatedly blocked the city from establishing a regulated commercial market. As a result, medical marijuana dispensaries operate in a legal gray area, subject to both local regulations and the threat of federal enforcement.
During Trump’s first term, his administration maintained a congressional rider that prohibited D.C. from using local funds to regulate or tax recreational cannabis sales. President Biden has continued this policy, despite growing calls from local leaders and advocates to remove the restriction.
Federal vs. Local Control
The tension between federal and local control over cannabis policy is a recurring theme in D.C. politics. While the city has sought to expand access to medical marijuana and decriminalize possession, federal authorities have often taken a more conservative approach. The Trump administration’s 2019 executive order on public safety in D.C. cited marijuana decriminalization as an example of failed policy, linking it to broader concerns about crime and disorder in the city.
Implications of Pirro’s Appointment
A Potential Shift in Tone
Pirro’s appointment is likely to be seen as a positive development by many in the cannabis community. Her experience in the wellness sector and her openness to the benefits of CBD suggest a more nuanced and compassionate approach to cannabis enforcement, especially compared to her predecessor. While Pirro is unlikely to advocate for full legalization, her leadership could pave the way for greater acceptance of medical cannabis and related products.
Industry and Advocacy Response
Cannabis industry stakeholders and patient advocates have expressed cautious optimism about Pirro’s new role. Her background in law and media, combined with her direct experience in the CBD industry, positions her as a potential ally for those seeking sensible regulation and expanded access to medical marijuana. However, her clear distinction between medical and recreational use means that advocates for broader reform will need to continue pressing for change at both the local and federal levels.
Ongoing Political Challenges
Despite Pirro’s appointment, significant obstacles remain for cannabis reform in D.C. Congressional interference continues to block the establishment of a regulated market, and federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance. Local leaders, such as Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, have vowed to keep fighting for D.C.’s right to set its own cannabis policies, but progress has been slow.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Cannabis Policy in D.C.?
President Trump’s decision to replace a hard-line prosecutor with Jeanine Pirro-a media personality and CBD advocate-marks a notable shift in the federal approach to cannabis enforcement in Washington, D.C. While Pirro’s appointment does not guarantee sweeping policy changes, it does suggest a willingness to consider the medical and wellness benefits of cannabis-derived products. For patients, dispensary operators, and advocates, this development offers hope for a more balanced and compassionate approach to cannabis regulation in the nation’s capital.
In the midst of shifting cannabis policies, Pirro’s leadership as acting U.S. attorney could set important precedents—drawing attention from policymakers, industry leaders, and reform advocates alike. Her actions and decisions could set important precedents for how federal authorities interact with the burgeoning cannabis industry-not only in D.C., but across the country.
Source:-
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/08/politics/jeanine-pirro-trump-acting-dc-prosecutor
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2jnl79mejo
https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-eying-fox-news-host-jeanine-pirro-top/story?id=121604820
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/08/jeanine-pirro-trump-us-attorney-fox
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/us/politics/jeanine-pirro-us-attorney-trump.html