Big Marijuana Policy Moments in 2025: A Year in Review

2025 was a pivotal year for cannabis reform in the United States, marked by major federal shifts, high-stakes legal battles, and expanding momentum at the state level.

1. Trump’s Historic Rescheduling Order

One of the most consequential developments was President Donald Trump’s executive order directing the attorney general to complete the process of moving marijuana out of Schedule I and into Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act — the most significant federal cannabis policy action in decades.
Although this doesn’t legalize marijuana outright, it signals major change: recognizing marijuana’s medical value, opening doors for federal tax deductions for state-legal businesses, and easing barriers to research and banking.

2. Expanded Federal CBD Access

In tandem with the rescheduling push, the administration also proposed expanding access to full-spectrum CBD products and exploring Medicare coverage for non-intoxicating cannabidiol – a move aimed at broadening health-care access and addressing regulatory confusion around hemp derivatives.

3. Supreme Court Marijuana Cases

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a major challenge to federal marijuana prohibition — a setback for advocates seeking a constitutional ruling against federal cannabis bans. However, justices agreed to consider cases involving the intersection of marijuana use and gun rights, underscoring ongoing legal debates around cannabis policy and civil liberties.

4. Federal Hemp Policy Shift

President Trump also signed a federal spending bill that includes provisions to ban many consumable hemp products that have proliferated in recent years. Though these provisions won’t take effect immediately, stakeholders and lawmakers are preparing alternative regulatory proposals.

5. Legislative Activity on Capitol Hill

Members of Congress filed and refiled a range of cannabis bills — from full federal legalization proposals to measures aimed at preparing the nation for the eventual end of prohibition and protecting veterans’ access to medical cannabis. While none of the measures became law in 2025, the activity reflects growing political engagement and debate.

6. State Legalization Momentum

Across the country, state-level cannabis policy continued moving forward:

• Adult-use sales launched in Delaware and Minnesota.

• Medical dispensaries opened in Kentucky.

• States like Pennsylvania, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Virginia saw reform bills advance in their legislatures, even if some stalled or faced vetoes.

• Florida activists are gearing up another legalization ballot effort for 2026.

7. Industry and Market Milestones

States with mature markets — such as New York — celebrated milestones like the opening of their 500th licensed dispensary, illustrating the continued normalization and commercial growth of legal cannabis.

Looking Ahead

While rescheduling hasn’t yet fully reshaped federal law, it has galvanized reform advocates and industry stakeholders alike. With legal battles in the courts, renewed ballot initiatives, and continued legislative momentum, 2026 is shaping up to be another watershed year for marijuana policy in the United States.