A recent development has raised hopes among cannabis reform advocates as a White House staffer under the Trump administration reportedly invited a proposal on federal marijuana legalization. This invitation signals potential movement on cannabis policy at the highest level of government and suggests that former President Donald Trump’s administration may have been open to reconsidering the federal stance on marijuana prohibition.

A Strategic Proposal for Reform

Howard Wooldridge, a leading advocate with Citizens Against Prohibition (COP), revealed that he had a brief but impactful conversation with a White House representative during a conservative activist meeting. Wooldridge, a longtime opponent of the war on drugs, emphasized the importance of shifting federal drug policy from criminal enforcement to a medical approach.

The discussion led to a significant opportunity: the White House staffer expressed interest in reviewing a formal proposal outlining why President Trump should support federal cannabis legalization. Wooldridge, in collaboration with conservative cannabis lobbyist Don Murphy, plans to submit the proposal by the end of the week.

Key Arguments in the Proposal

The proposal is expected to emphasize several political, economic, and legal advantages of ending federal marijuana prohibition. The main talking points will likely include:

• A States’ Rights Approach: Trump has previously indicated support for allowing states to set their own marijuana laws. The proposal will highlight how this aligns with conservative values of limited federal intervention, a stance that could appeal to Republican lawmakers and voters.
• Economic and Job Growth Potential: Legalizing marijuana at the federal level could create thousands of jobs, generate billions in tax revenue, and provide economic opportunities for American businesses.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Federal prohibition has led to millions of arrests for nonviolent cannabis offenses, disproportionately affecting minority communities. Ending prohibition would reduce unnecessary incarcerations and free up law enforcement resources.
• Public Support for Legalization: Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans support cannabis legalization, including a growing number of Republican voters. The proposal will argue that embracing cannabis reform could be a strategic move for Trump’s political future.

Trump’s Stance on Cannabis: Uncertainty and Opportunity

While Trump has previously expressed support for state-level cannabis policies, his administration took mixed approaches to marijuana reform. Under his leadership:

• He voiced support for the STATES Act, a bipartisan bill that would have prevented federal interference in state cannabis laws.
• His Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, rescinded Obama-era protections (such as the Cole Memo), which had allowed states to operate legal marijuana markets without federal intervention.
• He remained largely silent on cannabis policy in his later years in office, even as states continued to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana.
• With the 2024 election cycle approaching, advocates hope that this proposal could reignite Trump’s interest in cannabis reform as he seeks to appeal to a broader voter base.

Next Steps: A Potential White House Meeting?

If the proposal gains traction within the White House, Wooldridge may be invited to further discussions on cannabis policy. Such a meeting could pave the way for new legislative efforts or executive actions on marijuana reform. However, given the Trump administration’s historically mixed stance, it remains uncertain whether this opportunity will lead to concrete policy changes.

Regardless of the outcome, this development marks an important moment for federal cannabis reform advocates. The willingness of a White House staffer to engage with legalization proponents suggests that conservative perspectives on marijuana policy are shifting, potentially opening the door for bipartisan progress in the future.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Federal Marijuana Policy

With cannabis rescheduling currently under federal review and increasing momentum for legalization, the next administration—whether Trump or another leader—will likely face growing pressure to take a definitive stance on the issue. If Trump embraces a states’ rights-driven approach to cannabis reform, it could reshape the Republican Party’s position on marijuana and accelerate efforts toward national legalization or decriminalization.
For now, all eyes are on Wooldridge’s proposal and whether it will spark renewed interest in cannabis reform within Trump’s political orbit.