In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal seeks to eliminate a longstanding federal provision that protects state-legal medical cannabis programs from federal interference. Since 2014, this provision has barred the Department of Justice from using federal funds to prosecute individuals and businesses compliant with state medical marijuana laws.
The proposed removal has raised concerns among medical cannabis advocates and patients across the 39 states where medical marijuana is legal. Without this protection, federal authorities could potentially target patients, caregivers, and licensed operators, even if they adhere strictly to state regulations.
Advocacy groups, including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), have condemned the proposal, emphasizing the potential risk to millions who rely on medical cannabis for treatment. They argue that rescinding the provision undermines states’ rights and the will of voters who have supported medical marijuana initiatives.
The budget proposal also maintains a separate rider that prevents Washington, D.C., from legalizing recreational cannabis sales, highlighting a continued federal resistance to broader cannabis reform. This stance contrasts with growing bipartisan support for cannabis legalization and the increasing number of states enacting their own laws to regulate its use.
As Congress reviews the budget, lawmakers and stakeholders will debate the implications of removing these protections. The outcome will significantly impact the future of medical cannabis programs and the broader movement toward cannabis legalization in the United States.
Source: NORML
