---
title: "Cannabis Legalization 2025: New Administration, Rescheduling Efforts, and State Progress"
description: Explore where the new presidential administration stands on cannabis legalization in 2025 and key state ballot initiatives that could reshape U.S. cannabis laws.
image: https://cannaspyglass.com/hubfs/Blog%20Banners%20%2814%29.png
---

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 April 17, 2025

# Cannabis Legalization 2025: New Administration, Rescheduling Efforts, and State Progress

![Picture of Katharine Baxter](https://cannaspyglass.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KatharineBaxter2.jpeg?width=50&name=KatharineBaxter2.jpeg) By  [Katharine Baxter](https://cannaspyglass.com/blog/author/katharine-baxter)  ·   4 minute read

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As we look ahead to 2025, the cannabis industry is gearing up for significant developments. With a new presidential administration, the possibility of rescheduling cannabis, and continued momentum toward state-level legalization, it could be a pivotal year for cannabis legalization.

Here’s an overview of these key updates and how they have the potential to reshape the cannabis industry:

**Federal Cannabis Legalization 2025**

Nearly half of the U.S. has already legalized recreational cannabis, and even more states have implemented medical marijuana programs. Despite this, federal cannabis legalization is left unenacted. With a new administration in office and the future of rescheduling uncertain, the question remains: will 2025 be the year we see meaningful progress on federal cannabis reform?

The Trump Administration’s Impact on Cannabis Policy

President Trump’s stance on cannabis legalization has shifted over time. While his previous administration was generally not seen as supportive of cannabis reform, Trump’s recent statements signal a more favorable position. He has advocated for a states' rights approach, allowing individual states to determine their own cannabis laws, and has voiced support for medical marijuana use as well as the Biden administration’s efforts to reschedule cannabis.

In November 2024, [Trump endorsed a Florida ballot initiative](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113057012516008786) to legalize adult-use cannabis, indicating greater openness to cannabis reform. However, Trump’s views on comprehensive federal cannabis legalization are unclear. His [latest nominee for DEA Administrator](https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/01/21/career-special-agent-derek-s-maltz-appointed-lead-us-drug-enforcement), Derek Malts, a 28-year veteran of the agency, has not shown the same support for cannabis rescheduling efforts. It remains uncertain whether this will influence the proceedings.

The outlook for cannabis reform under a second Trump term is mixed. While his support for state-level legalization and rescheduling offers hope, advocates are still waiting to see if he prioritizes broader federal cannabis legalization.

Federal Cannabis Rescheduling: A Critical Moment

The [rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III](https://cannaspyglass.com/blog/cannabis-rescheduling-exploring-the-impact-on-licensed-and-ancillary-cannabis-businesses) would mark a monumental shift in U.S. cannabis laws. This change would alleviate many of the financial hurdles that have long impeded the growth and sustainability of the cannabis industry, particularly for businesses trying to navigate financial restrictions and taxation challenges. 

Initially scheduled for January 2025, the first hearing to determine cannabis rescheduling was recently canceled by the DEA. The hearing was postponed following an appeal alleging bias in the selection of anti-rescheduling witnesses. While this delay is frustrating, some within the industry view it as a positive development, as it could prevent the rescheduling process from being derailed by biased proceedings.

Despite the uncertainty around the rescheduling timeline, many are hopeful that cannabis will be moved to Schedule III by the end of 2025, paving the way for broader cannabis reforms and increased industry growth.

**State-Level Legalization: 2025 Progress**

While federal cannabis legalization remains unclear, state-level efforts continue to gain traction. Although there were some setbacks in the 2024 elections, including the failure of adult-use cannabis initiatives in Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota, there is reason for optimism. Nebraska's medical marijuana legalization continues to move forward, and states like Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Wisconsin, and even Texas show promise for future cannabis reform.

Nebraska: Medical Marijuana Legalization Moves Forward

In November 2024, [Nebraska](https://cannaspyglass.com/blog/nebraska-cannabis-legalization-what-happens-next) voters passed two initiatives to legalize and regulate medical marijuana. These measures, which received overwhelming support (71% and 67% approval), allow medical cannabis use for qualifying patients and establish a state commission to regulate its production and sale. Despite legal challenges, including initial allegations that the petitions did not meet signature requirements and a new lawsuit seeking to void the two successful 2024 ballot measures, advocates are hopeful that 2025 will bring a full Nebraska medical marijuana law into effect.

Pennsylvania: Prospective Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

Pennsylvania is another state that could make significant strides in cannabis reform in 2025. Though cannabis legalization did not move forward in 2024, advocates are feeling positive about the new year. A [bipartisan bill](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2023&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2500) was introduced in September, and polling shows broad voter support for cannabis legalization, renewing hope that Pennsylvania will join the next wave of states to embrace adult-use cannabis legalization.

Hawaii: Awaiting Progress on Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

Hawaii has seen mixed progress in its efforts to legalize adult-use cannabis. While the state’s Senate approved a recreational cannabis legalization bill in 2024, efforts to end prohibition have stalled in previous legislative sessions. State officials are now exploring alternatives, including expanding the medical cannabis program to allow broader access for patients with various health conditions. While a pilot program to expunge certain cannabis records was signed into law, advocates are still working toward comprehensive reform.

Wisconsin: A New Medical Cannabis Legalization Bill

Wisconsin could also make headway on cannabis legalization in 2025, as a Republican-led [bill proposing a medical cannabis program](https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/wisconsin-republicans-unveil-bill-for-state-run-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/) was introduced in January. While the proposal received criticism for being highly restrictive, it signals the potential for medical cannabis reform in the state. If lawmakers can find common ground on a revised bill, Wisconsin may soon join the growing list of states with legalized cannabis.

Texas: Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Faces Resistance

Texas, a state with one of the largest populations in the country, could see a shift in cannabis policy in 2025, though it faces strong opposition. A [bill introduced by Texas Democrats](https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1208) in November 2024 would allow adults to possess, use, and transport cannabis for personal use. However, the state’s Attorney General has opposed decriminalization efforts, and the Lt. Governor has launched initiatives to tighten cannabis laws. With political opposition running high, it remains uncertain if Texas cannabis legalization will advance in the near future.

**The Future of US Cannabis Legalization**

The year ahead holds great promise for the cannabis industry. Whether through federal rescheduling or state-level cannabis reform, the landscape of cannabis legalization in the U.S. is evolving rapidly. Advocates and entrepreneurs alike will want to keep a close eye on the new presidential administration’s stance on legalization, the progress of DEA rescheduling efforts, and key state-level legislative battles. The future of cannabis legalization in the U.S. looks bright, and the industry is poised for growth in the coming year.

Stay tuned to our [CannaBites Blog](https://cannaspyglass.com/blog) for additional updates about cannabis legalization and rescheduling, as well as other snackable news, commentary, and more from across the cannabis industry. 

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