Following the recent elections, President-elect Donald Trump has announced his decision to appoint Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida as the next Attorney General. This nomination has sparked widespread discussion, particularly regarding Gaetz’s well-documented stance on cannabis reform and its implications for federal policy.

Gaetz’s Advocacy for Cannabis Reform

Throughout his time in Congress, Gaetz has been a prominent proponent of cannabis reform. He has consistently championed legislative efforts aimed at reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This reclassification would facilitate cannabis research and recognize its medical potential. Notably, Gaetz was the sole Republican co-sponsor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in 2019, which sought to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. He emphasized the necessity for the federal government to adapt to shifting public attitudes and state-level legalization initiatives. (Independent)

In 2023, Gaetz proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to eliminate cannabis testing for military recruits. He argued that this policy change would enhance military recruitment efforts and align with the evolving legal landscape of cannabis across various states. (Politico)

Recent Developments and Contrasting Positions

While Gaetz has long supported cannabis reform at the federal level, he has expressed reservations about specific state-level legalization measures. In August 2024, he opposed Florida’s Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. Gaetz stated, “Regardless of how someone feels about abortion or marijuana, I don’t believe that those issues should be resolved in the state constitution.” (Florida Politics)

This nuanced stance highlights a distinction in Gaetz’s approach: supporting federal legislative reforms while advocating caution on state-level legalization through constitutional amendments.

Implications of Gaetz’s Nomination

Gaetz’s nomination as Attorney General has elicited varied responses, particularly within the cannabis industry. His history of supporting cannabis reform is viewed by some as a positive sign for potential federal policy changes. If confirmed, Gaetz could push the Department of Justice toward a more lenient stance on state-legal cannabis operations and advocate for reclassifying cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. This would mark a significant shift in federal cannabis policy. (MarketWatch)

However, the Senate confirmation process remains uncertain, and reactions within the cannabis sector have been mixed. Some cannabis stocks saw slight gains, reflecting optimism about Gaetz’s potential impact, while others remained steady as the political landscape continues to develop.

Watching Closely

Matt Gaetz’s nomination as Attorney General brings his extensive record on cannabis reform into the national spotlight. His advocacy for federal decriminalization and cannabis research, alongside his cautious approach to state-level legalization via constitutional amendments, underscores a multifaceted view on cannabis policy. As the Senate considers his confirmation, stakeholders in the cannabis industry, legal community, and broader public will watch closely to see how his appointment could shape the future of federal cannabis legislation.