Sources:
- *Associated Press reporting on Bondi’s nomination (context).
- Statements from President-elect Trump regarding cannabis rescheduling and banking reform.
- Public record of Pam Bondi’s positions as Florida Attorney General.*
President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to select Pam Bondi as his second choice to lead the U.S. Justice Department has stirred debate among cannabis advocates, industry leaders, and policymakers. Bondi, who gained national attention as Florida’s attorney general and later as an adviser during Trump’s first administration, has a documented history of opposing marijuana reform.
However, Trump has recently expressed support for marijuana rescheduling and cannabis banking reform, creating uncertainty around how Bondi might handle federal cannabis policy if confirmed. Her appointment could reshape national enforcement priorities at a time when most states have legalized some form of cannabis use.
If the U.S. Senate confirms her nomination, Bondi will also be responsible for appointing a new leader of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — a decision that may prove pivotal in determining how quickly or slowly federal cannabis reform progresses.
Bondi’s Track Record: A Long History of Opposition to Cannabis Reform
During her two terms as Florida attorney general (2011–2019), Bondi consistently aligned herself with anti-marijuana positions.
Source: Public statements and legal filings from the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Key elements of her record include:
1. Challenging Medical Marijuana Initiatives
Bondi opposed early versions of Florida’s medical marijuana ballot measures, claiming the language was overly broad and could create de facto recreational legalization. She filed challenges aimed at preventing certain proposals from reaching voters.
2. Support for Federal Drug Enforcement
Bondi frequently emphasized the importance of strict enforcement against drug trafficking and upheld federal classifications that treated cannabis as a Schedule I substance.
3. Endorsement of Tougher Drug Penalties
She backed legislation and policy initiatives that expanded penalties for drug offenses — positions traditionally aligned with hardline conservative drug policy.
4. Continued Skepticism During Trump’s First Term
While serving as an adviser during President Trump’s first administration, Bondi did not publicly support national cannabis reform efforts, even as public support rose nationwide.
Her longstanding refusal to back marijuana reform has raised alarms within the cannabis industry, which is now bracing for potential shifts in federal enforcement depending on how Bondi interprets her new role.
Trump’s Current Cannabis Stance Creates a Complex Backdrop
While Bondi’s past suggests skepticism, Trump’s recent comments indicate a new openness to cannabis reform.
Source: President-elect Trump’s public statements and interviews during the 2024 campaign cycle.
Trump has:
- Signaled support for rescheduling marijuana to recognize medical value
- Expressed willingness to back cannabis banking reform, allowing licensed businesses access to normal financial services
- Reiterated his support for state-level medical cannabis autonomy
This represents a shift from early 2017, when his administration rescinded Obama-era guidance on federal leniency toward state-legal cannabis programs.
Bondi’s approach will likely be influenced — and possibly constrained — by Trump’s revised political stance.
What Bondi Could Control as Attorney General
If confirmed, Bondi would hold substantial influence over federal cannabis policy, including:
1. Federal Enforcement Priorities
Bondi could direct prosecutors on whether to:
- Continue the pattern of minimal interference in state-legal markets
- Increase federal scrutiny of cannabis businesses
- Issue new DOJ guidance similar to the former “Cole Memo”
2. DEA Oversight and Future Policy Direction
Bondi will appoint the next DEA administrator — a critical decision.
Source: DOJ organizational responsibilities as defined by the U.S. Code.
The DEA controls:
- Cannabis scheduling
- Research approvals
- Federal production licensing
- Enforcement strategy within legalized states
A reform-friendly appointee could accelerate rescheduling.
A prohibition-leaning leader could slow or block progress.
3. National Drug Policy Strategy
The attorney general also influences interagency coordination with:
- FDA
- HHS
- ONDCP
- U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
Under Bondi, the DOJ’s posture toward cannabis could swing in either direction depending on political priorities.
Should the Cannabis Industry Be Worried?
The answer is mixed.
Reasons for Caution
- Bondi spent years opposing marijuana reform in Florida
- She has never publicly endorsed adult-use legalization
- Her DOJ leadership could emphasize strict compliance and enforcement
- Her choice for DEA administrator may shape federal cannabis policy for a decade
Reasons for Optimism
- Trump now supports rescheduling and banking legislation
- The cannabis industry has influential bipartisan backing
- Public support for legalization remains at record highs
- A national crackdown is politically riskier now than in 2017
Bondi may find herself needing to balance personal views with the administration’s broader political and economic goals.
Looking Ahead
Pam Bondi’s nomination represents one of the most consequential DOJ appointments for the cannabis sector in years. Her approach to marijuana enforcement — and her selection of a new DEA chief — will directly influence:
- whether cannabis is rescheduled in 2025
- how federal prosecutors treat state-legal businesses
- whether cannabis banking reform moves forward
- how research and interstate commerce evolve
- the future trajectory of national legalization efforts
With Trump signaling support for reform, Bondi’s policies may need to align with a shifting federal agenda rather than her earlier opposition. MORE ABOUT: MJBIZDaily.com
For now, cannabis advocates, state regulators, and industry leaders will be watching closely as her confirmation process unfolds.