The Trump White House has criticized the decriminalization of marijuana in Washington, D.C., calling it a “failed” policy that has “opened the door to disorder.” This statement was included in a fact sheet related to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which aims to beautify and enhance safety in the District. The White House pointed to local policies, including cannabis reform, as problematic, despite Trump’s earlier support for a states’ rights approach to marijuana laws.
In the fact sheet, the administration highlighted that “D.C.’s failed policies opened the door to disorder—and criminals noticed.” They specifically mentioned marijuana decriminalization alongside the District’s end of pre-trial detentions and enforcement practices regarding rioters. Although the executive order does not explicitly mention marijuana, it outlines plans for a stronger federal law enforcement presence in D.C. to address issues related to drug possession, sale, and use.
Cannabis possession and personal cultivation are legal in D.C. due to a voter-approved ballot initiative, but commercial sales of non-medical marijuana are not allowed. This situation is largely due to a congressional rider that has been renewed annually, preventing the District from using local funds to establish a regulated recreational cannabis sales system. As a workaround, local officials have been trying to expand the existing medical marijuana program.
During Trump’s first term, he consistently maintained this rider in his budget requests, a stance also taken by former President Joe Biden. As advocates and industry stakeholders watch how the Trump administration will handle marijuana policy in this second term, the administration’s first public comments linking decriminalization to disorder do not inspire confidence.
The prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana welcomed the White House’s remarks, stating that D.C. did not merely decriminalize private marijuana use but has also paved the way for total legalization. They noted that the smell of marijuana can be detected on virtually every street in the city.
One day prior, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who was initially considered for the position of U.S. Attorney General, suggested that “meaningful” marijuana reform is imminent under the current administration, commending Trump for his support of rescheduling cannabis. However, Gaetz’s column did not acknowledge that former President Biden initiated the rescheduling review that led to federal agencies recommending reclassification. While Trump endorsed this policy change during his 2024 campaign, he has not publicly addressed marijuana issues since taking office.
Currently, the administrative process for rescheduling cannabis is experiencing delays, with a judge from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) postponing hearings on the proposal.
