Seven months into his second term, President Donald J. Trump has a rare opportunity—one that could define his legacy, shift American policy, and unlock billions in new economic activity. The opportunity? Federally legalizing cannabis and granting clemency to over 40,000 Americans still imprisoned for nonviolent marijuana offenses.

This week, as the country gears up to celebrate Independence Day, the symbolism couldn’t be more powerful. While Americans fire up grills and fireworks, there are still tens of thousands of people behind bars for something that’s now legal in most of the country. It’s unjust, it’s outdated, and it’s un-American.

President Trump has a chance to change that—this week.

Biden Didn’t Do It. But You Can.

Despite years of campaigning on reform, President Joe Biden failed to deliver comprehensive federal cannabis legalization. Yes, his administration flirted with reclassification. Yes, some minor pardons were issued. But the big promises? Left on the table.

And now, with Trump back in the White House, the door is wide open to take bold, decisive action that reshapes history. While Biden made cannabis reform a footnote, Trump could make it the headline. Not with vague gestures or slow bureaucratic process—but with sweeping clemency, full de-scheduling, and a federal framework for legalization that finally matches the will of the people.

The People Are Ready. The States Are Ready. The Market Is Ready.

As of July 2025, 40 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 24 have legalized adult-use recreational cannabis. Billions of dollars are being generated. Thousands of jobs are being created. States are using cannabis tax revenue to fund schools, roads, and addiction treatment programs.

Yet at the federal level, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug—classified alongside heroin and LSD. This not only blocks interstate commerce and banking, but leaves thousands of Americans vulnerable to arrest, imprisonment, and life-altering criminal records.

This contradiction makes no sense. It’s holding back entrepreneurship. It’s reinforcing racial inequities. And it’s punishing veterans, farmers, and small business owners who just want to operate legally in a booming industry.

If there was ever a time for decisive federal action, it’s now.

40,000 Cannabis Prisoners Deserve Freedom—Not Another Year Behind Bars

While billion-dollar cannabis companies continue to expand, over 40,000 Americans remain incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana charges—some serving decades for offenses that would now be considered legal business transactions.

This isn’t just outdated. It’s morally wrong.

Trump has always positioned himself as a dealmaker and a disruptor. In this case, he has the power to do what no other president has done: sign a sweeping clemency order and release cannabis prisoners nationwide. A clean slate for people whose only “crime” was being ahead of the curve on a plant now celebrated in storefronts across America.

Imagine the impact: thousands reunited with families. Millions saved in taxpayer-funded prison costs. A bold statement to the nation that it’s time to move on from the drug war’s most irrational chapter.

The Political Math Is on Your Side

Contrary to the outdated perception that cannabis reform is a “liberal” cause, it’s one of the most bipartisan issues in America today. Poll after poll shows that 70% of Americans support full federal legalization, including 60% of Republicans.

Veterans support it. Seniors support it. Entrepreneurs support it. Red states are passing laws. And Trump supporters—especially younger voters—are overwhelmingly in favor of a legal, regulated national cannabis industry.

In short: this is not a political risk. This is a political win.

And with President Biden out of the picture and reform left unfinished, it’s President Trump who can take credit for finishing the job.

Why This Week Is the Right Week

The Fourth of July is a celebration of freedom, independence, and self-determination. It’s a time when Americans reflect on the values of liberty, justice, and the right to live freely.

There’s no better week to declare cannabis legalization a national priority.

A well-timed executive order—announced on or before the 4th—would dominate headlines. It would send shockwaves through the legal, criminal justice, and business communities. And it would signal to the world that America is no longer waging war on its own citizens over a plant.

This is not just political theater. It’s the real work of nation-building.

The Economic Upside Is Unmatched

Federal legalization could inject over $100 billion into the U.S. economy over the next decade. From job creation to agricultural innovation, tax revenue to manufacturing, the cannabis industry is one of the most promising engines for rural revitalization and small business growth.

Banks could finally offer financial services without fear. Brands could expand across state lines. Hemp could reach its full potential as a renewable resource. And most importantly, legacy operators—especially Black, Latino, and veteran entrepreneurs—could finally operate with safety, dignity, and stability.

President Trump loves talking about economic growth and American-made industries. This one is ready to go. All it needs is the green light.

What Legalization Could Look Like

Trump’s team has the chance to craft a legalization strategy that reflects conservative values:

• State Autonomy: States remain free to set their own regulations.

• Free Market Principles: Encourage entrepreneurship and limit monopolies.

• Justice Reform: Pair legalization with record expungement and prisoner release.

• Veteran Support: Ensure veteran-owned cannabis businesses have access to funding and priority licenses.

• Agricultural Empowerment: Support American farmers through industrial hemp and cannabis cultivation.

This isn’t about getting high. It’s about getting smart.

What History Will Remember

When future generations look back at this moment, they won’t remember the backroom deals, the half-measures, or the delays. They’ll remember who stood up and made the call.

Will it be President Trump?

He already has the microphone. He already has the media attention. He already has a base that’s loyal, vocal, and looking for wins. Cannabis reform could be one of them—if he acts now.

Biden didn’t finish the job. Trump can.

The World Is Watching

Globally, cannabis reform is accelerating. Germany just legalized it. Thailand has embraced medical marijuana. Canada has been legal for years. The U.S., meanwhile, still arrests people over marijuana at the federal level—while claiming to be the land of the free.

If Trump wants to lead on the world stage, this is one clear way to show that America is ready to evolve. Cannabis is no longer fringe. It’s mainstream. It’s time.

Final Thoughts: Make This Independence Day Mean Something

The 4th of July will come and go like it does every year. But this one could be different.

It could be the week cannabis is finally legalized at the federal level. The week tens of thousands of Americans are set free. The week the U.S. joins the future instead of clinging to the past.

President Trump, this is your moment. You’ve been called many things—controversial, bold, disruptive—but if you choose to legalize cannabis now, you’ll also be called something new:

A leader who finally listened.

Do it for justice. Do it for freedom. Do it for the economy.
Do it this week.