William Bennett Challenges Trump on Marijuana Policy
William Bennett, who served as education secretary under President Reagan, generally aligns with Trump on various issues. However, he has recently voiced his disagreement regarding marijuana policy, insisting that the administration should not postpone federal marijuana use.
“I love Donald Trump,” Bennett stated during a call with a news outlet. “I support nearly everything he does, but not this.” His comments followed Trump’s signing of an executive order aimed at transitioning marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act by December 2025. While this reclassification would make it simpler to conduct medical research on marijuana, it wouldn’t equate to nationwide legalization.
According to Trump, this change will significantly benefit research into marijuana’s effects and potential treatments. However, Bennett is concerned about the implications this has for students and its classification as a “gateway drug.” He remarked that while marijuana might alleviate certain ailments for some, its negative impacts on concentration and attention can’t be overlooked.
Bennett, who was the first drug czar under President George H.W. Bush, emphasized the increasing use of marijuana among youths, suggesting that the current culture endorses it, which is detrimental to young people’s health. “Marijuana clouds your concentration and attention span, crucial for students,” he noted. “It’s also a gateway drug leading to more serious drug use.” He pointed out that many who use harder substances often begin with marijuana.
He expressed concerns about rising dropout and absenteeism rates linked to cannabis use. With approximately 28% of students missing 10% or more of school during the 2022-2023 year—despite improvements from the pandemic peak—Bennett fears the combination of these factors will have lasting effects on children.
The White House responded by stating that the delay in rescheduling aims to enhance medical research opportunities related to marijuana. Press Secretary Khush Desai mentioned that this historic action could lead to new treatments for patients, particularly veterans.
Bennett acknowledged that public perception regarding marijuana has shifted dramatically, largely due to lobbying efforts and the growing cannabis industry promoting its acceptance. His wife, Elaine Bennett, runs a nonprofit focusing on promoting self-respect in students and has witnessed firsthand how the marijuana culture has evolved. She recounted a shocking moment when a student revealed he wasn’t even aware of the long-term cognitive impacts of regular marijuana use until he turned 18. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” Elaine said, expressing disbelief at the lack of awareness around these crucial health issues.
She, along with former first lady Nancy Reagan, aims to revitalize the “Just Say No” campaign to combat drug use among youths. Elaine emphasized the urgent need to remind young people about the dangers of substance use.
Bennett concluded by stating that even though Trump is known for avoiding drugs and alcohol, the broader message about abstinence is vital for society. “America often addresses its mistakes, and this is one we can correct,” he said.
