Cannabis Industry Donates $2 Million to Trump Super PAC Before Reclassification Order

A political committee funded by the cannabis industry contributed over $1.05 million to the MAGA Inc. super PAC linked to President Donald Trump, according to Marijuana Moment. The donations took place in the months leading up to the executive reclassification order of the plant, as per Federal Election Commission (FEC) records.

The American Rights and Reform PAC, initially launched as Legalize America, was responsible for the donations. The group's treasurer is an executive from Curaleaf, a giant in the cannabis industry, showcasing the sector's coordination.

In July, the committee donated $1 million to the president's political group, followed by an additional $50,000 in November. When combined with the first semester's amounts, the total contributions from the cannabis industry to MAGA Inc. reach $2.05 million.

The Cannabis Industry's Influence on Reclassification

The most recent donation occurred about a month before Trump signed a crucial executive order for the sector. The measure instructed the completion of the process to transfer marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Although reports do not specify an explicit purpose for the funds, the committee has actively advocated for this reform. Through these actions, the cannabis industry aims to ensure a more favorable regulatory environment in the United States.

In March, ads funded by the group criticized former President Joe Biden's record and Canada's policies. The campaign argued that Trump would be the only one capable of implementing the reforms desired by the cannabis industry.

Communication Strategies and Conservative Support

The ads aimed to directly appeal to Trump, leveraging his image as a champion of entrepreneurship. "This is a fight that prioritizes America," stated one of the advertising pieces.

"President Trump had the courage to sign the Right to Try Act, helping American patients. Let's do it again. Let's reclassify cannabis and put America first," the ad concluded, aligned with the interests of the cannabis industry.

Furthermore, Curaleaf had previously sought support by donating $250,000 to Trump's inaugural committee. This contribution was facilitated by a major association representing the cannabis industry.

Future Perspectives for the Cannabis Industry

Meanwhile, America First Agriculture Inc., a conservative organization, praised the reclassification order. The group argues that the measure will dismantle the illicit market and benefit military veterans and the elderly.

In a new ad, the organization stated that the president "promised to put America first, and his word is gold." However, the Department of Justice has not yet released a definitive timeline for the decision.

Researchers point out that the process still faces uncertainties. There is a possibility that the agency may restart or halt the analysis, keeping the cannabis industry alert regarding the regulatory outcome.

With information from Marijuana Moment