Idaho senators urge President Trump to reverse course on marijuana policy change

OG article by Kevin Fixler

December 30, 2025

Idaho’s U.S. senators, Republicans Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, signed a letter to President Donald Trump opposing his executive order directing the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The letter, authored by U.S. Sen. Ted Budd and signed by 22 GOP senators, warned that rescheduling risks public health and the economy, stating, “In light of the documented dangers of marijuana, facilitating the growth of the marijuana industry is at odds with growing our economy and encouraging healthy lifestyles for Americans.” It urged Trump to reverse the decision and highlighted potential tax breaks for marijuana companies that could fund expansion. Trump’s December 18 order aims to expand research into marijuana’s medical benefits, continuing efforts initiated under President Joe Biden in May 2024. The order noted, “The federal government’s long delay in recognizing the medical use of marijuana does not serve the Americans who report health benefits from the medical use of marijuana.” However, marijuana remains illegal in Idaho for nearly all uses, with only Wyoming matching its strict stance in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regions. Idaho Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, expressed disappointment, stating in an interview that the decision “does not follow the science or the data” from states where marijuana has been legalized. In 2025, Idaho enacted a $300 minimum fine for misdemeanor possession of less than 3 ounces, considered the steepest in the U.S., and plans a 2026 constitutional amendment to restrict legalization to the Legislature. Attorney Josh Hurwit noted the order has no immediate impact in Idaho, as federal prosecutors already de-emphasize low-level possession cases, signaling continuity in policy focus.