Marijuana Consumer Approval of Administration Policy Falls

Support for federal cannabis actions drops to 29 percent amid legislative and procedural delays in the rescheduling process.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a glass container on a concrete block, evoking the stalled federal cannabis rescheduling process. — Public approval of the Trump administration's marijuana policies dropped to 29 percent amid ongoing legislative delays and federal procedural stalling. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does the slow pace of federal marijuana rescheduling diminish your trust in the current administration?

The percentage of cannabis consumers who approve of the Trump administration's marijuana policies has fallen to 29 percent. This decline marks a significant drop from 48 percent in the previous quarter and 73 percent two quarters ago.

Why it matters

The administration pursued rescheduling to increase medical access and address voter demand, but current progress remains stalled by lawsuits and legislative interference. This shift in sentiment highlights the growing frustration among consumers regarding the slow pace of federal reform.

A recent survey of 654 cannabis consumers conducted from October 8-15 recorded a 29 percent approval rating, with a margin of error of +/-3.83 percentage points. Currently, 20 percent of respondents disapprove of the administration's actions while 51 percent remain neutral.

The players

Todd Blanche

As the Attorney General, he issued the directive to reclassify state-licensed medical cannabis and FDA-approved products to Schedule III.

The details

Attorney General Todd Blanche ordered the reclassification of medical cannabis to Schedule III in April, but subsequent efforts have faced opposition from the drug testing industry and a pharmaceutical corporation. A federal administrative hearing concluded its testimony in July, yet it remains stayed while officials address motions related to a Government Accountability Office report.

In April 2026, Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order reclassifying medical cannabis to Schedule III.
A House committee voted in May 2026 to block federal officials from taking further steps to carry out cannabis rescheduling.
Testimony in the cannabis rescheduling hearing concluded in July 2026.
A survey of 654 cannabis consumers was conducted between October 8-15, 2026.

Health Landscape

This effort to reclassify cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act represents the most significant federal administrative attempt to alter marijuana's status to date. It reflects a broader transition in national health policy regarding the integration of medical marijuana into federal regulatory frameworks.

The uncertainty surrounding rescheduling means patients relying on state-licensed medical cannabis may continue to face varying legal and access standards. While the administration's goal is expanded medical access, current administrative stays prevent immediate nationwide changes to product availability.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in approval suggests that cannabis consumers are increasingly skeptical that federal rescheduling will be fully implemented this year. Many stakeholders remain in a holding pattern as legal challenges from pharmaceutical and industry groups continue to delay progress.