Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas, along with several colleagues from the House of Representatives, has sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Department of Justice not to reschedule marijuana. The group includes Andy Harris (MD-01), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chip Roy (TX-21), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Blake Moore (UT-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), David Rouzer (NC-07), and Mary Miller (IL-15).
The lawmakers argue that changing marijuana’s classification would give significant tax benefits to large cannabis companies and organizations connected to foreign interests operating in the United States. They cite industry estimates suggesting corporations could receive over $2 billion each year in federal tax relief if marijuana is reclassified.
The letter also points to research indicating that marijuana use has a 30% addiction rate and is associated with negative impacts on cognitive development, mental health, and an increased risk of psychosis.
Congressman Pete Sessions stated, “Rescheduling marijuana is bad policy, no matter the administration. The data is clear: marijuana is a dangerous drug that has only become more dangerous over time. That is why I have spent my entire career in Congress opposing the rescheduling of marijuana. We must protect our children from predatory marijuana businesses that want to make them addicted consumers for life.”
Congressman Paul Gosar added, “Rescheduling marijuana risks undermining President Trump’s determination to address the growing health crisis in America by signaling that it is safe, despite clear evidence of harm. Today’s marijuana is far stronger than in past decades, and higher potency is linked to greater risk of addiction, psychosis, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. We should aim to reduce exposure to addictive, impairing substances, not reclassify them in ways that expand access and downplay risks. Rescheduling marijuana invites heavier use, more health and wellness burdens, and long-term costs for individuals and communities.”
Dr. Kevin Sabet, President & CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana said, “President Trump is laser-focused on getting drugs off the streets. Rescheduling would set back those efforts. Rejecting reclassifying marijuana aligns with the President’s priorities of combatting China and narco-terrorist cartels. Taking a step toward fulfilling George Soros’ lifelong goal of making drugs legal will not Make America Great Again.”
Pete Sessions has maintained strong electoral support in recent years; he won his 2024 general election against Mark Lorenzen with 66.3% of the vote. In previous elections he also secured victories against Mary Jo Woods in 2022 with 66.5% and Rick Kennedy in 2020 with 55.9%.
