Trump Backs Pro-Cannabis Joe Gruters for RNC Chair: GOP Reform Shift

President Trump and Senator Joe Gruters discussing Republican cannabis policy reform and RNC chairman endorsement.

Trump Endorses Pro-Cannabis Reformer Joe Gruters for Republican National Committee Chairman: A Landmark Shift in GOP Cannabis Policy

President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of Florida State Senator Joe Gruters for Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman represents a seismic shift in the Republican Party's approach to cannabis policy. This unprecedented move signals that marijuana reform may finally have a champion at the highest levels of GOP leadership, and could reshape the national conversation around cannabis legalization for years to come.

 

The Historic Endorsement: Breaking Down Trump's Decision

On July 24, 2025, President Trump announced his "Complete and Total Endorsement" of Senator Joe Gruters to lead the Republican National Committee, describing him as someone who "will do a wonderful job as the Chairman of the RNC." This endorsement comes as current RNC Chairman Michael Whatley prepares to run for U.S. Senate in North Carolina with Trump's blessing.

 

Why This Endorsement Matters for Cannabis Reform

What makes this endorsement particularly significant is Gruters' extensive track record as one of the Republican Party's most vocal advocates for comprehensive cannabis reform. Unlike many GOP politicians who have remained silent or opposed to marijuana policy changes, Gruters has consistently championed both medical marijuana expansion and full adult-use legalization, positions that align surprisingly well with Trump's evolving stance on cannabis.

 

Joe Gruters: The Republican Party's Cannabis Champion

From State Party Chairman to Cannabis Advocate

Senator Joe Gruters brings unique credentials to the potential RNC chairmanship. As the former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (2018-2022) and a longtime Trump ally, Gruters has demonstrated his ability to lead major political organizations while maintaining his principled support for cannabis reform.

 

Key aspects of Gruters' background include:

  • Political Leadership Experience: Successfully led the Florida GOP through critical election cycles
  • Trump Alliance: Served as Chair of the RNC Credentials Committee and has been a consistent Trump supporter
  • Legislative Record: Current Florida State Senator representing District 22 (Sarasota County)
  • Cannabis Advocacy: The most prominent Republican voice for marijuana legalization in Florida
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Gruters' Comprehensive Cannabis Reform Record

Supporting Florida's Amendment 3 Campaign

In 2024, Gruters made headlines by becoming one of the few prominent Republicans to endorse Amendment 3, Florida's recreational marijuana legalization ballot initiative. Despite opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis and most of the Florida GOP establishment, Gruters publicly campaigned for the measure.

 

Gruters explained his support: "Supporting Amendment 3 is a common-sense decision that prioritizes individual freedom, health, safety, and economic growth. By legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, we can give Floridians access to safe products, generate significant revenue for critical public services, and create new job opportunities for Floridians."

 

Television Advertisement and Public Advocacy

Gruters didn't just endorse Amendment 3; he appeared in television advertisements promoting the initiative. In one notable ad titled "Blowing Smoke," Gruters directly addressed critics of legalization:

"Florida is the freest state in America, but we still have outdated marijuana laws obstructing that freedom. Amendment 3 would give adults back that freedom and give Florida a chance to legalize marijuana responsibly. Florida is the only state that can do this correctly. Vote 'yes' on Amendment 3."

 

Legislative Cannabis Reform Efforts

Beyond ballot initiatives, Gruters has consistently introduced marijuana reform legislation in the Florida Senate:

Senate Bill 546 (2025): Would allow state-registered medical marijuana patients to grow up to two cannabis plants per household for personal use.

Senate Bill 552 (2025): Would expand qualifying medical marijuana conditions to include patients who have been prescribed opioid drugs and create provisions for out-of-state patient access.

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Personal Cannabis Experience and Philosophy

In a remarkable display of authenticity for a Republican politician, Gruters has been open about his personal experience with cannabis. During a February 2025 podcast interview, he revealed that during a birthday celebration in Las Vegas with his wife, they decided to try cannabis gummies.

 

"All I'll say is, I thought everybody was looking at me," Gruters recalled. "I was very thirsty, and I told my wife, I said, 'You've got to get me back to our hotel room quick!'"

 

Gruters' freedom-focused philosophy: "Florida is a freedom state. I believe in freedom. If you want to do that stuff, and you want to take the time, then by all means go and do it, as long as you do it in a regulated way where nobody else is getting hurt and you're taking responsibility."

 

The Trump-DeSantis Cannabis Divide

A Tale of Two Republican Leaders

The endorsement of Gruters highlights a significant philosophical divide within the Republican Party, particularly between Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on cannabis policy.

 

Governor DeSantis' Opposition

DeSantis was a fierce opponent of Amendment 3 and has been critical of Gruters's cannabis advocacy. The governor's opposition was so strong that he refused to appoint Gruters as Florida's Chief Financial Officer, despite Trump's endorsement for that position.

 

DeSantis' harsh criticism: "Gruters sided with the mega-weed company Trulieve and was joining with liberal Democrats to try to do it, so his record is contrary to what we told the voters we'd do."

The governor even stated that "if George Washington rose from the dead and came back and tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Will you appoint Joe Gruters CFO?' My response would be: 'No, I can't do that.'

 

Trump's Cannabis Support

In stark contrast to DeSantis, Trump publicly endorsed Florida's Amendment 3, stating it would be "perfect" for the state. This support came after meetings with both Gruters and Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers, demonstrating Trump's willingness to engage with cannabis industry leaders.

 

Trump's campaign statement on Amendment 3: "As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations while providing access for adults to safe, tested products. As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November."

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The Broader Context: Republican Cannabis Evolution

Shifting GOP Voter Sentiment

Recent polling data reveals a dramatic shift in Republican attitudes toward cannabis reform. A survey conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates—a GOP polling firm affiliated with Trump—found that:

  • 53% of Republicans support cannabis legalization (up from single digits just a decade ago)
  • Republicans are more supportive of state marijuana legalization rights than the general electorate
  • Majority GOP support exists for rescheduling, banking reform, and states' rights legislation

 

The Political Calculus

Tony Fabrizio, Trump's pollster, noted: "Support for things like rescheduling cannabis, uplisting U.S. state-legal cannabis companies on the stock market, passing a States' Rights Cannabis bill, and passing a SAFE(R) Banking Act offers an easy way to attract the voters needed to win in 2026, particularly young voters."

 

Federal Cannabis Reform Under Trump's Second Term

Current Status of Marijuana Rescheduling

The cannabis rescheduling process initiated under the Biden administration remains stalled, with DEA Administrative Law Judge proceedings delayed since January 2025. However, Trump's recent private comments suggest movement may be imminent.

 

Trump's Private Commitment to Rescheduling

In a significant development, President Trump reportedly told House lawmakers in a private July 2025 meeting: "We'll be moving forward soon with rescheduling marijuana." This marks the first time Trump has personally commented on the federal rescheduling process in 2025.

 

Key Trump Administration Cannabis Appointments

DEA Administrator Terrance Cole

Trump's pick for DEA Administrator, Terrance Cole, told senators that examining marijuana rescheduling would be "one of my priorities" after taking office. However, cannabis rescheduling was notably absent from Cole's initial strategic priorities list, raising questions about timing and approach.

 

Department of Justice Leadership

Trump selected former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to run the Department of Justice. While Bondi has historically opposed medical cannabis as Florida's attorney general, her approach under Trump's direction remains to be seen.

 

Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's HHS Secretary, previously supported cannabis legalization and psychedelics therapy. However, during confirmation hearings, he indicated he would defer to the DEA on marijuana rescheduling decisions.

 

The Economic Impact of Cannabis Reform

Federal Tax Revenue Implications

Cannabis rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III would eliminate the burden of IRS Section 280E, which currently prevents state-legal cannabis businesses from taking standard business deductions. This change could:

  • Reduce cannabis business tax burdens by 30-50%
  • Increase federal tax revenue through expanded business activity
  • Generate an estimated $4.06 billion in combined federal and state tax revenue by 2025

 

Banking and Financial Services Reform

Trump has expressed support for the SAFER Banking Act, which would provide cannabis businesses access to traditional banking services. This reform would:

  • Eliminate dangerous cash-only operations
  • Reduce criminal targeting of cannabis businesses
  • Enable traditional business investment and growth
  • Improve regulatory oversight and compliance

 

State-Level Cannabis Developments

The 2024 Election Results

Despite Trump's endorsement, Florida's Amendment 3 failed to reach the required 60% threshold, receiving approximately 56% of the vote. However, this result still demonstrated majority support for legalization and highlighted the effectiveness of Trump's influence on Republican voters.

 

Future State Initiatives

The Amendment 3 campaign's near-success has emboldened advocates in other states. Key developments include:

  • Texas: Multiple bills to legalize possession and distribution
  • North Carolina: New advisory council on cannabis policy
  • Nebraska: Successful medical marijuana ballot measures

 

Congressional Cannabis Landscape

Republican Opposition Efforts

Despite growing GOP voter support, some Republican lawmakers continue to oppose cannabis reform. The House Appropriations Committee recently approved spending bill provisions to block DOJ funding for marijuana rescheduling—a move that ironically may signal that Republicans believe rescheduling is imminent.

 

Bipartisan Reform Opportunities

Several cannabis reform measures have bipartisan support:

  • STATES Act: Protecting state-legal cannabis programs
  • SAFER Banking Act: Financial services for cannabis businesses
  • Medical marijuana research expansion
  • Veterans' access to medical cannabis

 

Industry Response and Expectations

Cannabis Business Community Reactions

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) has already begun lobbying newly confirmed DEA Administrator Cole, emphasizing the need for "timely and transparent" progress on Rescheduling.

 

NCIA's Aaron Smith stated: "Rescheduling would help eliminate unnecessary barriers to research, reduce burdens on legitimate businesses operating under state law, and bring federal policy more in line with overwhelming public opinion and decades of state-level reform."

 

Investment and Market Implications

Cannabis industry analysts view the Gruters endorsement as a bullish signal for federal reform prospects. Key market implications include:

  • Increased investor confidence in federal compliance
  • Expansion opportunities for multi-state operators
  • Reduced regulatory uncertainty for business planning
  • Enhanced access to traditional capital markets

 

International and Regulatory Considerations

Treaty Obligations and Schedule III

International drug control treaties allow for Schedule III classification of cannabis while prohibiting full descheduling. This framework supports Trump's stated preference for rescheduling over complete removal from the Controlled Substances Act.

 

Research and Medical Applications

Rescheduling would significantly expand cannabis research opportunities by:

  • Removing barriers to FDA-approved clinical trials
  • Enabling university and medical center research
  • Facilitating the development of standardized medical cannabis products
  • Supporting veterans' access to medical cannabis through VA programs

 

Opposition and Challenges

Anti-Cannabis Advocacy Response

Prohibitionist groups like Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) have launched television ad campaigns urging Trump not to reschedule cannabis. These ads claim Rescheduling would "empower Chinese cartels" and "undermine federal law."

 

SAM President Kevin Sabet argued: "Rescheduling is a cartel tax cut. By removing marijuana from the reach of Section 280E, Washington would hand [Chinese Community Party]-backed cartels and Big Marijuana a taxpayer-subsidized path to dominate the market."

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Conservative Republican Resistance

Traditional conservative Republicans continue to oppose cannabis reform, viewing it as inconsistent with law-and-order principles and family values. This internal GOP tension may complicate Gruters' potential RNC leadership.

 

The Path Forward: What to Expect

Immediate Priorities for RNC Leadership

If confirmed as RNC Chairman, Gruters would likely focus on:

  • Modernizing GOP cannabis policy positions
  • Building coalitions between reform advocates and conservative Republicans
  • Emphasizing freedom, states' rights, and economic opportunity arguments
  • Countering prohibitionist messaging with evidence-based advocacy

 

2026 Midterm Election Implications

Cannabis reform could become a significant factor in 2026 congressional races, with Republican candidates potentially using reform positions to attract younger voters and independents in competitive districts.

 

Long-term Republican Party Evolution

Gruters' potential elevation to RNC Chairman could accelerate broader Republican acceptance of cannabis reform, positioning the GOP as the party of personal freedom and economic opportunity rather than prohibition.

 

Regional Impact: Cannabis Reform Across America

Southern States and Conservative Regions

Gruters' Florida success provides a template for cannabis reform in traditionally conservative areas. His emphasis on freedom, economic benefits, and responsible regulation resonates with Southern Republican voters.

 

Rural and Agricultural Communities

Cannabis cultivation and processing opportunities could revitalize rural economies, creating jobs and tax revenue in areas that have supported Republican candidates.

 

Military Communities and Veterans

Gruters's support for veterans' access to medical cannabis aligns with Trump's emphasis on supporting military families and addressing veterans' healthcare needs.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis Policy

Potential Timeline for Federal Action

Industry observers expect significant cannabis policy developments within the next 12-18 months:

  • Q4 2025: Possible DEA action on Rescheduling
  • 2026: Congressional cannabis banking and research legislation
  • 2027-2028: Potential comprehensive federal cannabis reform

 

Building Bipartisan Consensus

The combination of Trump's pragmatic approach and Gruters' conservative reform advocacy could create unprecedented opportunities for bipartisan cannabis legislation.

 

State-Federal Coordination

A GOP-led federal reform effort would likely emphasize state autonomy and regulatory flexibility, appealing to both conservative principles and industry needs.

 

Conclusion: A Transformative Moment for Cannabis Policy

President Trump's endorsement of Joe Gruters for RNC Chairman represents more than just a personnel decision—it signals a fundamental shift in Republican Party cannabis policy. For the first time, a major political party may be led by someone who has consistently advocated for comprehensive marijuana reform based on conservative principles of freedom, economic opportunity, and individual responsibility.

 

Key Takeaways for the Cannabis Industry

  1. Political Legitimacy: Cannabis reform now has a champion in Republican leadership
  2. Federal Action Likely: Trump's private commitments suggest rescheduling momentum
  3. Bipartisan Opportunities: Conservative reform arguments may attract broader GOP support
  4. Investment Confidence: Reduced regulatory uncertainty should improve market conditions
  5. State-Federal Alignment: Reform efforts may finally achieve consistency across jurisdictions

 

The Broader Implications

This development extends far beyond cannabis policy, representing a broader evolution of the Republican Party toward pragmatic governance and evidence-based policy-making. Gruters' potential RNC leadership could influence GOP positions on criminal justice reform, healthcare policy, and economic development.

 

What Comes Next

As the cannabis industry and reform advocates await confirmation of Gruters' RNC chairmanship, the focus shifts to concrete policy achievements. The combination of Trump's executive authority, potential Republican congressional support, and Gruters' party leadership could create the most favorable environment for federal cannabis reform in decades.

 

The question is no longer whether federal cannabis reform will happen, but how quickly and comprehensively it will be implemented. With Joe Gruters potentially leading the Republican National Committee, the party of Lincoln may finally become the party of cannabis freedom, a transformation that seemed impossible just a few years ago but now appears increasingly inevitable.

 

References Primary News & Policy Sources

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