The Trump Administration’s Latest Anti-Cannabis Move: What It Means for the Industry

The Trump administration has once again appointed a staunch opponent of cannabis reform to a key government position. On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with a 53-47 vote along party lines. This decision places yet another anti-marijuana figure in a position of power, raising concerns about the future of cannabis policy at the federal level.

Vought’s Anti-Cannabis Stance

Vought, who previously served in the OMB during Trump’s first term, has a long history of opposing marijuana legalization. In a 2022 C-SPAN appearance, he labeled cannabis as a “gateway drug,” warning that the U.S. has become “culturally complacent” about drug use. He has also criticized state-level legalization efforts, arguing that they pave the way for more dangerous substances to become legal.

His social media activity further reinforces his opposition to cannabis. In 2022, he publicly urged Virginia’s governor to reverse the state’s marijuana legalization policy, claiming that legal dispensaries could spread unchecked and undermine federal law. Given his strong views, Vought’s leadership at OMB could have serious implications for the ongoing federal marijuana rescheduling process and future cannabis policy decisions.

How Vought’s Role at OMB Affects Cannabis Policy

As the director of OMB, Vought will oversee the federal budget and play a critical role in shaping government policies—including those related to cannabis. His influence will extend to:

1. Presidential Budget Proposals: During Trump’s first term, his administration’s budget proposals repeatedly attempted to strip away protections for state-legal medical marijuana programs, which prevent federal agencies from interfering with these businesses. With Vought back in charge, similar anti-cannabis measures could be reinstated.
2. Drug Scheduling Decisions: The OMB director is involved in reviewing proposals related to the classification of controlled substances. With marijuana currently in the process of being rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, Vought’s appointment raises concerns about potential delays or resistance from the administration.
3. Federal Enforcement Policies: The OMB director also helps coordinate agency budgets, including funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Under Trump’s first term, budget proposals included provisions to block Washington, D.C. from establishing a regulated cannabis market. Advocates worry that similar restrictions could be revived under Vought’s leadership.

The Bigger Picture: A Cabinet Filled with Anti-Cannabis Figures

Vought is just one of several high-profile appointments in the Trump administration who hold anti-cannabis views. Other key figures include:

• Derek Maltz (Acting DEA Administrator): A firm believer in the “gateway drug” theory, Maltz argues that legal cannabis markets are still dominated by illicit sales due to high taxes and regulatory challenges.
• Pam Bondi (Attorney General Nominee): The former Florida Attorney General has not publicly committed to supporting the ongoing marijuana rescheduling process.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (HHS Secretary Nominee): While Kennedy has previously voiced support for legalization, he recently stated that he would defer to the DEA on marijuana rescheduling.
• Elon Musk (Chair of the Department of Government Efficiency): Musk has called for mandatory drug testing of federal employees despite his own well-documented use of cannabis and other substances.

What This Means for the Cannabis Industry

With an administration stacked with officials skeptical of cannabis reform, the industry could face significant challenges ahead. While Trump himself has previously voiced support for state-level legalization and rescheduling, the influence of his cabinet members—including Vought—could slow progress or even reverse existing protections.

For cannabis businesses, this underscores the need for continued advocacy at both the state and federal levels. Companies and trade organizations must push for legislative protections, such as the SAFE Banking Act, to secure long-term stability for the industry.

Final Thoughts

The confirmation of Russell Vought as OMB director is a concerning development for cannabis advocates. His anti-marijuana stance and influential role in shaping federal policies could create new hurdles for legalization efforts. While the rescheduling process under the Biden administration had gained momentum, Vought’s appointment signals potential resistance from the Trump White House.

As the political landscape shifts, the cannabis industry must remain vigilant, engaged, and proactive in shaping policies that protect and promote legal cannabis markets.