Major Cannabis Firms Fund Pro‑Trump PAC That Backs Republicans Who Oppose Legalization

Several of the largest U.S. cannabis companies have funneled millions of dollars into a pro‑Trump super PAC that is spending heavily to help reelect Republican House members who have opposed loosening federal marijuana laws, according to Federal Election Commission filings and reporting by Marijuana Moment and Newsweek.

Donations and Spending

America First Agriculture Action Inc., a super PAC that shares a treasurer with MAGA Inc., has spent nearly $1.8 million on television and digital ads supporting 11 Republican House candidates in competitive districts. FEC records reviewed by Newsweek show major June contributions from prominent cannabis firms: Trulieve, Curaleaf, Verano and Vision Management Services (a Green Thumb Industries subsidiary) each gave $2.5 million; Ascend Wellness Holdings gave $500,000; and Arboretum Bidco gave $1 million — a combined $11.5 million from those donors alone.

Other cannabis‑linked transfers also flow to Trump‑aligned committees. The American Rights and Reform PAC, tied to the industry, transferred $1.5 million to America First Agriculture Action last year and $2.05 million to MAGA Inc. Including those transfers, cannabis‑connected donations to Trump‑aligned committees total at least $15.05 million. Charles Gantt is listed as treasurer for both America First Agriculture Action and MAGA Inc.

Who The Ads Back And What They Say

In September the PAC began running ads for 11 Republican representatives: Tom Barrett (MI), Nick Begich (AK), Rob Bresnahan (PA), Juan Ciscomani (AZ), Gabe Evans (CO), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Jen Kiggans (VA), Mike Lawler (NY), Scott Perry (PA), Bryan Steil (WI) and Derrick Van Orden (WI). Because these are independent expenditures, federal law bars coordination with the campaigns, and the ads do not mention cannabis policy.

Instead, the commercials highlight those lawmakers' votes on ethics and financial matters — such as bans on stock trading by members of Congress — and their support for tax measures including proposals to reduce or eliminate taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits.

Policy Context And Candidates' Positions

Several targeted lawmakers have opposed federal cannabis legalization. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Scott Perry and Bryan Steil voted against House bills to federally legalize marijuana in 2020 and 2022. Jen Kiggans opposed legalization as a Virginia state senator, and Juan Ciscomani reportedly celebrated the defeat of a 2016 Arizona legalization measure. Most of the other members the PAC is supporting entered Congress more recently and have not cast floor votes on federal legalization.

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) at a House Committee on Financial Services hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑NY), one of the candidates backed by the PAC, told a televised debate that New York's legal cannabis law is "hurting" local communities and has publicly opposed federal rescheduling, calling marijuana a "gateway drug" in past interviews. Newsweek and Marijuana Moment reported the PAC had spent roughly $288,775 supporting Lawler.

Federal Rescheduling And The Political Stakes

The donations arrive as the Department of Justice and the White House move forward on changes to marijuana's federal classification. In April, the DOJ reclassified state‑licensed medical marijuana and FDA‑approved marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III, freeing medical operators from certain tax restrictions under Section 280E — while recreational cannabis remains listed as Schedule I. A broader Drug Enforcement Administration hearing on rescheduling was paused after opponents requested a delay.

On Capitol Hill, many Republican leaders remain skeptical of rescheduling. The GOP‑controlled House Appropriations Committee voted to block further rescheduling actions, and senior Republicans have framed marijuana as a public‑safety concern. Democrats, by contrast, say they would push broader marijuana reform if they regain control of the House.

Public Opinion

A 2024 Pew Research Center survey of 8,512 U.S. adults found that 55% favor legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, while 33% support medical‑only legalization and 11% oppose legalization entirely. Support is strongly divided by party and age: 67% of Democrats favor full legalization versus 44% of Republicans, and 63% of adults under 30 support full legalization compared with 34% of those 75 and older. Pew also reported that 53% of Americans now live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal.

Voters in the 11 districts where the PAC is running ads will decide their races on November 3, with control of the House hanging in the balance.

Note: News outlets cited in this report sought comment from America First Agriculture Action and some targeted lawmakers.