Two Republican senators are trying to stop the Trump administration from easing federal rules on marijuana. Sens. Ted Budd and James Lankford filed an amendment this week that could keep cannabis locked in the strictest drug category. This bold move comes amid growing calls for change, but will it derail progress? Read on to see the full picture.
Sens. Ted Budd from North Carolina and James Lankford from Oklahoma dropped their amendment on January 13, 2026. They want to attach it to a key funding bill for commerce, justice, and science agencies. The goal is clear: block the Department of Justice from moving cannabis out of Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act.
This category lumps marijuana with drugs like heroin and LSD, seen as having high abuse risk and no medical value. The amendment states that no funds from the bill can be used to shift cannabis to a lower schedule. It’s a direct shot at President Trump’s recent push to reclassify it.
If passed, this could freeze any rescheduling efforts. The funding package, House Resolution 6938, covers fiscal year 2026. Lawmakers will debate it soon, and this amendment adds fresh tension to the mix.
Experts say this echoes past attempts to limit executive power on drug policy. Back in 2024, similar riders appeared in spending bills but got dropped.
Trump’s Order and the Road to Rescheduling
President Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025, directing the attorney general to speed up marijuana’s rescheduling to Schedule III. This would recognize some medical benefits and lower abuse risks, like with drugs such as codeine.
The order kicked off a process involving the DEA and health agencies. It builds on Biden-era proposals from 2024 that aimed for the same shift but stalled.
Rescheduling wouldn’t legalize cannabis nationwide, but it would ease research, taxes, and banking for state-legal businesses. About 24 states have full legalization, and 38 allow medical use, per recent counts from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The process includes public comments and reviews. Trump’s team wants it done fast, but opponents argue it skips needed checks.
One key change: Section 280E of the tax code would no longer hit cannabis firms with harsh limits on deductions. A 2025 report from Vicente LLP estimates this could save the industry billions yearly.
Why This Matters for States and Users
This amendment isn’t just Washington drama; it hits real people. In states like California and Colorado, legal cannabis brings jobs and revenue. But federal Schedule I status creates hurdles, from banking woes to research blocks.
If rescheduling happens, medical studies could boom. A White House fact sheet from December 2025 highlights easier access to cannabis for pain relief and epilepsy research.
Opponents like Budd and Lankford worry about abuse risks. They point to a 2023 CDC study showing rising teen marijuana use in some areas, up 10% since 2019.
On the flip side, supporters say rescheduling aligns federal law with science. The American Medical Association backed a similar move in 2024, citing evidence of benefits for conditions like chronic pain.
Here’s a quick look at potential impacts:
- Taxes: Legal businesses could deduct normal expenses, boosting profits.
- Research: Universities and labs get fewer barriers to study effects.
- Banking: More financial services open up, reducing cash-only risks.
- Enforcement: Federal raids on state-legal ops might drop.
Without rescheduling, conflicts between state and federal laws persist, confusing users and businesses.
Reactions Pour In from All Sides
The amendment sparked quick backlash. Cannabis advocates called it a “power grab” that ignores public will. A Marijuana Policy Project post noted strong support for reform, with polls showing 70% of Americans favor legalization, per a 2025 Gallup survey.
Industry groups like the Cannabis Business Times reported on the move, warning it could stall Trump’s order. Some Republicans back rescheduling for economic reasons, creating party splits.
Critics, including anti-drug groups, praised the senators. Smart Approaches to Marijuana hailed it as protecting public health in a January 15, 2026 statement.
Lawmakers from both parties are watching. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Trump ally, tweeted support for rescheduling, hinting at internal GOP fights.
This isn’t the first roadblock. Congress dropped similar language from a funding bill just last week, per reports. But with the new amendment, debates heat up again.
One expert from Reuters noted in a January 14, 2026 analysis that court challenges could follow if the amendment passes, testing executive powers.
As Washington wrestles with cannabis reform, the Budd-Lankford amendment throws a wrench into President Trump’s fast-track plan. It highlights deep divides over drug policy, pitting states’ rights against federal control. While some see hope in potential medical advances and economic boosts, others fear wider abuse. In the end, this fight reminds us how old laws still shape modern lives, urging a fresh look at what’s best for health and freedom.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
