Trump's 2025 Inauguration: What It Means for the Green Rush
As Donald Trump stepped onto the stage for his second inauguration on January 20, 2025, the cannabis industry was already buzzing—and not just from the usual. Speculation about how Trump 2.0 might shape the future of weed and hemp had reached a fever pitch. Could this be the moment the industry has been waiting for, or are we looking at more political smoke and mirrors?
A Tale of Two Policies
Trump’s relationship with cannabis has always been a curious mix of contradiction and convenience. Back in 2018, he gave the hemp industry its golden ticket with the Farm Bill, legalizing hemp and its derivatives and kickstarting the CBD craze. But the cannabis crowd remembers the flip side: his administration’s rescission of the Cole Memorandum, which had protected state-legal cannabis operations from federal interference.
“Trump’s legacy in cannabis is like an edible—you’re not sure if it’s going to hit or leave you hanging,” jokes Sam Grayson, a policy analyst with the U.S. Cannabis Alliance.
Now, with a second term and a fresh slate of appointees, the industry’s wondering which version of Trump will show up: the pragmatist who signs off on popular measures, or the wildcard who stirs the pot for the sake of the headlines.
Rescheduling: The Industry’s White Whale
Front and center in cannabis discourse is the potential rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Currently labeled as a Schedule I drug—alongside heroin and LSD—cannabis faces federal restrictions that make everything from banking to tax breaks a logistical nightmare for businesses.
“Rescheduling to Schedule III or descheduling could be a game-changer,” says Dr. Carla Ramirez, a cannabis researcher. “It would unlock so much potential for businesses and open the door to more comprehensive research.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration began a formal review of cannabis’s classification in late 2024, following a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services. Whether Trump will accelerate or obstruct this process remains a wild card.
The Ozempic of Cannabis?
Interestingly, some have hinted at leveraging cannabis-derived solutions for healthcare, including metabolic disorders. With weight-loss drugs like Ozempic dominating headlines, some experts see cannabinoids like THCV (the “skinny cannabinoid”) as a natural addition to the conversation.
“THCV could be the wellness world’s next big disruptor,” says Ava Michaels, a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur in the cannabis space. “Trump knows how to ride a trend, and this one could be massive.”
The Gaetz Effect
One of the biggest wild cards in this new administration is Trump’s choice for Attorney General: Rep. Matt Gaetz. Known for his vocal support of cannabis reform, Gaetz’s appointment could mark a seismic shift in federal cannabis policy.
“Having someone in the DOJ who doesn’t see cannabis as the enemy? That’s huge,” says Emily Cho, a cannabis policy analyst. “If Gaetz pushes for reforms like federal banking access or military use, it’ll send a ripple through the industry.”
But Gaetz’s reputation as a political firebrand could just as easily derail progress, leaving the industry to navigate yet another maze of mixed messaging.
Betting on the Green Rush
Despite the uncertainty, cannabis companies are gearing up for what could be a pivotal four years. The SAFER Banking Act, which would give cannabis businesses access to financial services, is high on the industry’s wishlist. Meanwhile, the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable—a coalition of major cannabis players—is positioning itself as a powerful lobbying force in D.C.
“This isn’t 2016 anymore,” says Jason Willheim, who works at a cannabis focused law firm. “The industry has matured, and we’re ready to make our case to lawmakers.”
But optimism is tempered with caution. Trump’s track record of unpredictability means the industry must remain vigilant, prepared to pivot as political winds shift.
Final Thoughts: Smoke and Mirrors or a Green Revolution?
As Trump begins his second term, the cannabis industry stands at a crossroads. Will federal reform finally take root, or will the green rush be stifled by political infighting and regulatory inertia? One thing’s for sure: the stakes have never been higher.
“We’re on the brink of something big,” says Ted Grayson. “But in this business, you learn to hope for the best and plan for the worst.”
For now, the cannabis world will be watching—and waiting—as the Trump administration sets the stage for what could be the most pivotal chapter in the industry’s history.
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