GOP Congressional Leader Is ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Trump Will Reschedule Marijuana—Which He Says Is ‘An Alternative To Highly Addictive Opioids’

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

December 2 2025

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), a GOP congressional leader, expressed cautious optimism that President Donald Trump will reschedule marijuana, aligning it with the administration's "America first" agenda and states' rights. He supports medical marijuana as an alternative to highly addictive opioids, particularly for veterans with severe pain or health conditions from combat, citing examples like Rep. Morgan Luttrell's psychedelic therapy recovery. Speaking at IgniteIt’s Cannabis Capital & Policy Summit, Reschenthaler noted Trump's interest and track record on complex issues, such as relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel, predicting DEA action soon. He highlighted shifting GOP views due to the opioid epidemic and post-global war on terror needs, emphasizing bipartisan reform. Reschenthaler advocates incremental changes, including bipartisan bills for U.S. cannabis businesses to list on stock exchanges—unlike Canadian firms—and access banking services for lawful activities. He stressed keeping the issue bipartisan to turn the corner. Regarding the recent omission of veteran marijuana access provisions in a Trump-signed spending bill, he's unhappy but sees alternatives via appropriations bills or minibus packages, advising proponents to engage the House Freedom Caucus.