Tallahassee’s Kim Rivers had Major Influence on Trump’s Marijuana Decision

According to multiple reports, Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers played a pivotal role in shaping federal marijuana policy that culminated in President Donald Trump’s recent decision to support reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug — a major shift with potential lasting effects on the cannabis industry.

After years of advocacy by industry leaders, Trump signed an executive order in December 2025 directing federal agencies to begin the process of reclassification, a move that stops short of full federal legalization but signals a significant policy change. The decision followed an intensive 18-month lobbying effort involving cannabis executives, key influencers, and political operatives — with Rivers at the forefront.

Trulieve, based in Tallahassee, is one of the largest cannabis companies in the United States. Under Rivers’s leadership, the company has not only grown its market presence but also dramatically increased its political engagement, spending on federal lobbying and donating to political committees aligned with Trump’s administration. Documents show Trulieve contributed significant funds to Trump’s inaugural committee and associated political action committees, while Rivers personally raised the issue of rescheduling in private meetings with the president and influential fundraisers, including a $1 million-a-plate event at Trump’s New Jersey golf club.

Rivers framed the rescheduling effort as a matter of public health and scientific progress, emphasizing the medical benefits of cannabis and the need for robust domestic research. In public statements following Trump’s announcement, she praised the decision as “long overdue” and a “major milestone” for sensible cannabis reform, noting that recognizing marijuana’s medical applications under federal law supports regulated operators and law enforcement alike.

From a business perspective, the reclassification carries profound implications. Under the current Schedule I designation, cannabis companies have been barred from deducting ordinary business expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities under Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, effectively imposing punitive tax burdens that have eroded profit margins across the industry. Analysts estimate that moving marijuana to Schedule III could eliminate these restrictions, resulting in billions of dollars in annual tax relief and dramatically improving cash flow for operators.

The change also removes significant barriers to clinical research by universities and pharmaceutical companies, potentially accelerating the development of new medical products and inviting greater institutional investment in the sector. While the reclassification does not resolve all federal issues — such as banking access or full legalization — it does signal a notable shift in federal policy that could reshape the competitive dynamics and financial viability of cannabis businesses nationwide.

As the industry adapts to these regulatory changes, Rivers’s role underscores how corporate leadership and strategic advocacy can influence national policy debates and drive outcomes with sweeping economic impact.