A Shift in Republican Landscape
Congressman Earl Blumenauer, a prominent advocate for cannabis reform, commented on Donald Trump's recent endorsement of cannabis rescheduling and Florida's Amendment 3, which aims to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. Blumenauer highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris' long-standing support for ending the war on drugs and their collaboration on cannabis reform efforts. He also emphasized that Trump's support for cannabis reform should serve as a powerful signal to the Republican party.
Trump's statements, made via his platform Truth Social, have sparked reactions across the political spectrum. He announced that, if elected, he would support the rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III, a significant move from its current Schedule I classification. Additionally, he backed the SAFE Banking Act, which would allow cannabis companies to access financial services currently restricted under federal law.
The cannabis industry has largely welcomed Trump's support for rescheduling. David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council, called Trump's position a "historic shift" in the national approach to cannabis. Others, such as Adam Goers of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform, emphasized that reclassifying cannabis would benefit millions of Americans by moving away from outdated drug policies.
In addition to his stance on federal rescheduling, Trump also publicly declared his support for Florida's Amendment 3, a ballot measure to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. As a Florida resident, Trump announced that he would be voting "yes" on the measure in November, aligning himself with a growing list of Republicans who have embraced cannabis reform.