Trump and Marijuana Rescheduling

Donald Trump might play a pivotal role in advancing the legalization of marijuana, and comedian Bill Maher seems to think he owes him a bit of gratitude.

Reports indicate that Trump is contemplating a significant shift in cannabis classification, potentially moving it from a Schedule I drug—on par with heroin—to Schedule III. This change wouldn’t fully legalize marijuana across the United States, but it could pave the way for broader legalization or decriminalization efforts.

Given that cannabis legalization has garnered support from both sides of the political aisle, it’s interesting to consider what Trump, facing historically low approval ratings, might gain from this. However, Maher insists that the credit should actually go to… well, himself.

During a recent episode of Real Time, Maher started by discussing a meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. “What that’s all about is trying to end this terrible war in Ukraine,” he noted. “It’s been going on for far too long. Trump and Putin said, ‘Look, let’s meet the thugs and see the thugs,’ and they already had that meeting, coming up with a plan.”

Shifting his focus to the audience, he added, “I saved the best story for last: marijuana. Have you ever heard of it? It’s timeless. It’s our medicine forever, and it’s a foolish situation for all U.S. pot enthusiasts.”

A long-time advocate for cannabis, Maher had some fun with the subject but couldn’t resist linking it back to a recent dinner he had with Trump that made headlines.

While Maher joked about Trump’s involvement, it’s important to note that efforts to reschedule marijuana actually began under President Joe Biden. In May 2024, Biden outlined a plan to change marijuana’s classification to Schedule III, though that initiative remained incomplete when he assumed office.