President Donald Trump is reportedly eyeing reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a move that could expand medical marijuana research and ease industry restrictions.
At a $1 million-a-plate fundraiser at his New Jersey golf club earlier this month, Trump told attendees he’s interested in pursuing the change, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Fundraiser guests included Kim Rivers, chief executive officer of Trulieve, a top marijuana company, who encouraged Trump to pursue the change and expand medical marijuana research, said the report.
Former President Joe Biden was considering such a classification change that would have also made it easier to buy and sell weed before losing last year’s presidential election to Trump.
Pot companies have poured millions of dollars into Trump’s political groups and have hired some of Washington’s top lobbyists and advisers to Trump, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Trump last year backed a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, which narrowly failed to secure the 60% of voters’ support it needed to pass.
Weed has been legal in New York for medical purposes since 2016 and recreational purposes since 2021.
“All policy and legal requirements and implications are being considered. The only interest guiding the president’s policy decisions is what is in the best interest of the American people,” said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.
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