Trump Budget to remove federal protection for state run medical cannabis programs

The Trump administration’s latest budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 seeks to eliminate the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, a federal provision that has shielded state-legal medical cannabis programs from Department of Justice interference since 2014. This move threatens the autonomy of 39 states that have legalized medical cannabis, potentially exposing patients, caregivers, and providers to federal prosecution. This is Trump’s first budget request of his second term, but it is very note worthy that during his first term Trump called for its deletion of this provision each year of his presidency.

Despite President Trump’s previous statements supporting states’ rights on cannabis, this proposal contradicts that stance, raising concerns about the administration’s commitment to protecting medical cannabis access. The decision to maintain or repeal these protections now rests with Congress, which has historically renewed the amendment annually.

Advocacy organizations are urging citizens to contact their legislators to preserve these critical protections for medical cannabis patients.