Trump’s DOJ Allows Federal Prosecutors to Enforce Simple Cannabis Possession Crimes

OG article by Tony Lange

November 17, 2025

In a stark policy reversal, the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump's administration has directed federal prosecutors to prioritize enforcement of simple cannabis possession crimes, signaling a tougher stance on marijuana despite ongoing state-level legalization efforts. The memo, issued to U.S. Attorneys nationwide, emphasizes aggressive pursuit of federal charges for individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis, even in states where possession is decriminalized or fully legal. This directive contrasts sharply with the Obama and Biden eras' guidance for prosecutorial discretion, which largely deferred to state laws on minor offenses. Justice Department officials cited rising interstate trafficking and public health concerns as justifications, though critics argue it undermines federalism and disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. The policy's rollout coincides with Trump's campaign promises to combat drug-related crime, potentially straining resources amid broader immigration and opioid priorities. Legal experts anticipate a surge in federal court cases, particularly in border states like Wyoming, where recent legislative pushes for medical cannabis have gained traction but now face heightened federal scrutiny. Advocacy groups such as the Marijuana Policy Project condemned the move as regressive, warning it could deter investment in state-regulated markets and exacerbate racial disparities in enforcement. As Congress debates rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I, this enforcement pivot highlights deepening tensions between federal and state authorities, leaving patients, businesses, and consumers in legal limbo. Wyoming lawmakers, fresh off failed hemp farming bills, expressed alarm that the directive could quash emerging opportunities in the Equality State’s conservative-leaning cannabis sector.