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ARTICLE · 09 JUNE 2025

Benesch's Cannabis Industry Quarterly Update: Q2 2025

Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
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The Trump administration's 2025 drug policy agenda omits cannabis rescheduling, despite earlier signals of support, instead prioritizing fentanyl, border security, and addiction treatment.

United StatesCannabis & Hemp
Bryna Dahlin
Bryna Dahlin
Alissa Jubelirer
Alissa Jubelirer
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Key Issues

Movement on legalizing cannabis appears stalled on a federal level

The Trump administration's 2025 drug policy agenda omits cannabis rescheduling, despite earlier signals of support, instead prioritizing fentanyl, border security, and addiction treatment. This omission, coupled with a stalled DEA rescheduling process, has added to industry uncertainty and is frustrating reform advocates, especially as federal restrictions on interstate trade are blamed for fueling the illicit market. Separately, the DOJ's decision to stop defending DEA legal protections may accelerate cannabis research, and bipartisan voices, including Sen. Fetterman and GOP Sen. Yaw, are pushing for federal legalization.

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