Trump Proposes Continued Medical Cannabis Protections in Budget

FBI memo on marijuana investments, Medicare hemp coverage rule, and state legalization efforts also in the news.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:12am

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President Donald Trump is proposing that Congress continue a rider protecting state medical cannabis laws from federal interference, marking a shift from his previous requests to delete the provision. The budget proposal also seeks to maintain a block on Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales. Additionally, the FBI issued guidance on agent involvement with cannabis companies, and Medicare announced new rules to cover certain hemp products.

Why it matters

The proposed continuation of medical cannabis protections in the federal budget represents a notable policy change from the Trump administration, which had previously sought to remove the provision. This move could provide more certainty for state-legal medical marijuana programs. The other developments, such as the FBI guidance and Medicare coverage rules, further illustrate the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding cannabis and hemp at the federal level.

The details

The budget proposal would maintain a rider that prohibits the Department of Justice from interfering with state medical cannabis laws. This is a shift from Trump's previous requests to delete the provision. The budget also seeks to continue blocking Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational marijuana sales. Separately, the FBI issued a memo allowing agents to invest in or work for hemp and CBD businesses, but not marijuana companies if their packaging depicts a cannabis leaf. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also finalized a rule to allow coverage of some hemp products through Medicare Advantage plans.

  • President Trump's budget proposal was released on April 6, 2026.
  • The FBI memo on marijuana investments was declassified recently.
  • The Medicare hemp coverage rule was finalized in the Federal Register notice.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who is proposing the continued medical cannabis protections in the federal budget.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that issued guidance on agent involvement with cannabis and hemp companies.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

The federal agency that finalized a rule to allow coverage of some hemp products through Medicare Advantage plans.

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What’s next

The budget proposal containing the medical cannabis protections will now go to Congress for consideration and approval.

The takeaway

The proposed continuation of medical cannabis protections in the federal budget represents a shift in the Trump administration's stance, potentially providing more certainty for state-legal programs. The other regulatory developments around hemp, CBD, and Medicare coverage further illustrate the evolving legal landscape for cannabis-related industries.