How Pam Bondi’s Nomination Could Impact Federal Cannabis Policy

In the wake of Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, as Trump’s Attorney General pick. This decision raises critical questions about the direction of federal cannabis reform, given Bondi’s mixed record on marijuana policy during her tenure in Florida.

Bondi, a long-time Trump ally, served as Florida’s top law enforcement official from 2011 to 2019. While her history includes strong advocacy against opioid abuse, her cannabis stance has been more conservative. Let’s explore how her appointment as Trump’s Attorney General could impact the cannabis industry.

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Pam Bondi’s Record on Cannabis Policy

Bondi’s tenure in Florida included several key moments that reflected her cautious stance on cannabis reform:

1. Opposition to 2014 Medical Cannabis Expansion: Bondi opposed a constitutional amendment aimed at expanding medical cannabis access, claiming the measure’s language was “misleading.” The initiative failed narrowly, garnering 58% of the vote instead of the required 60%.
2. Support for Smokable Flower Ban: In 2018, Bondi backed a controversial ban on smokable medical cannabis, citing public health concerns. This position aligned with then-Governor Rick Scott, although the ban was overturned in 2019 by his successor, Ron DeSantis.

Despite these actions, some industry leaders believe Bondi’s alignment with Trump’s broader cannabis policies could signal a shift in her approach.

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Trump’s Attorney General and Federal Cannabis Reform

As Trump’s Attorney General, Bondi would oversee the Department of Justice (DOJ), which plays a pivotal role in shaping cannabis policy. Key responsibilities include:

1. Cannabis Rescheduling

The DOJ oversees the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is currently deliberating whether to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This move would significantly ease federal restrictions on cannabis research and open doors for medical use.

Bondi’s position on this issue remains unclear, but her role as Trump’s Attorney General could directly influence the timeline and outcome of this decision.

2. Enforcement of Federal Laws

One of the biggest questions surrounding Bondi’s nomination is whether she will enforce federal cannabis laws in states where cannabis is legal. Under Trump’s leadership, Bondi may support states’ rights to legalize cannabis without federal interference.

3. Banking Reform

Cannabis businesses continue to face hurdles accessing financial services due to federal laws. Trump has pledged to back the SAFE Banking Act, and as Trump’s Attorney General, Bondi could play a role in advancing this legislation.

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How Bondi Differs From Matt Gaetz

Bondi’s nomination represents a shift from Trump’s previous pick, Matt Gaetz, who has been one of the most vocal pro-cannabis policymakers in Washington. Gaetz’s record includes:

• Sponsoring Cannabis Rescheduling Legislation: Gaetz introduced bills aimed at rescheduling cannabis and reducing federal restrictions.
• Protecting State-Legal Programs: He supported initiatives to prevent federal interference in state cannabis markets.
• Advocating for Parental Rights: Gaetz supported medical cannabis access for children with severe health conditions.

While Bondi’s history suggests a more conservative stance, her actions as Trump’s Attorney General may align more closely with Trump’s recent campaign promises to support cannabis reform.

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Trump’s Vision for Cannabis Reform

Trump’s campaign trail rhetoric has included ambitious promises for cannabis reform, including:

• Federal Rescheduling: Supporting the reclassification of cannabis to a lower schedule to enable research and medical applications.
• Banking Reform: Advocating for legislation that allows cannabis businesses to access financial services.
• Decriminalization: Supporting decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.
• State Rights: Ensuring states retain control over their cannabis policies without federal interference.

As Trump’s Attorney General, Bondi’s alignment with these goals could reshape the federal landscape for cannabis.

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Industry Reactions to Bondi’s Nomination

The cannabis industry has reacted cautiously to Bondi’s nomination. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, expressed optimism despite Bondi’s past opposition to smokable cannabis. Rivers highlighted Bondi’s willingness to follow directives from leadership, suggesting she may align with Trump’s pro-cannabis agenda.

Still, concerns remain about Bondi’s historical reluctance to embrace broad cannabis reforms. Advocacy groups are closely watching how her nomination progresses through Senate confirmation and what it could mean for federal policy.

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What to Expect Moving Forward

Bondi’s potential confirmation as Trump’s Attorney General could bring changes to federal cannabis policy, including:

• Accelerated efforts to reschedule cannabis.
• Stronger support for cannabis banking reform.
• Continued focus on enforcing state rights in cannabis legalization.

Her approach to these issues will determine whether the DOJ takes a more cannabis-friendly stance under Trump’s administration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Pam Bondi’s history with cannabis policy?

Bondi opposed Florida’s 2014 medical cannabis expansion and supported a smokable flower ban in 2018. However, her actions often reflected directives from state leadership.

2. How might Pam Bondi impact federal cannabis reform?

As Trump’s Attorney General, Bondi would oversee key policies like cannabis rescheduling and banking reform while balancing federal enforcement priorities.

3. What is Trump’s stance on cannabis reform?

Trump supports cannabis rescheduling, banking reform, and decriminalization, as well as state rights to legalize cannabis.

4. How does Pam Bondi differ from Matt Gaetz?

Unlike Gaetz, a vocal cannabis advocate, Bondi has a more conservative record but may align with Trump’s pro-cannabis policies.

5. What does the cannabis industry think of Bondi’s nomination?

Reactions are mixed, with some industry leaders optimistic about her alignment with Trump’s goals and others concerned about her conservative track record.

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Ready to Explore More? Check Out These Blogs

• What Trump’s Return Could Mean for Cannabis Policy: Key Insights and Changes
• Cannabis Rescheduling: What It Means for the U.S.
• Marijuana Legalization and Health Benefits: 5 Trends Shaping Wellness

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Acknowledgment

This article is based on a report written by Tony Lange for Cannabis Business Times. You can find the original piece at Cannabis Business Times.