U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson Told GOP Leadership He Opposes Marijuana Rescheduling, But Urged No Public Break With Trump

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 13, 2025

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson privately informed GOP leadership that he opposes President Trump's plan to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. During a leadership meeting convened after Johnson's call with Trump on Wednesday, he relayed the president's intent to issue an executive order on the matter. The meeting included Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and several committee chairs. Johnson stated his personal opposition but urged avoiding a public confrontation with the White House, deeming it unproductive. A staffer, speaking anonymously to The Marijuana Herald, noted minimal pushback from leadership on this stance.

This internal discussion highlights how Republican leaders are handling the divisive issue, especially as Trump aims to fulfill a campaign promise to reform federal marijuana policy. Despite historical GOP resistance, rescheduling enjoys strong bipartisan support among the public and lawmakers. Recent reports indicate the White House will direct the Justice Department and DEA to finalize the reclassification rule next week, skipping the delays from the Biden era. Trump also plans a federal descheduling commission to explore removing cannabis entirely from controlled substances, akin to alcohol.

Johnson's advice to refrain from public opposition reflects caution amid shifting public opinion. While some House Republicans might defy this and resist the rescheduling, the Speaker has signaled no intent to challenge the president openly.