Congress Revives Federal Cannabis Reform: What It Means for U.S. Pro Sports
In August 2025, forty House Democrats reintroduced the MORE Act, a sweeping cannabis reform bill that would deschedule marijuana at the federal level, mandate expungement of convictions, and redirect tax revenues toward communities harmed by prohibition. With Congress increasingly signaling momentum around reclassification or removal of cannabis from Schedule I, professional sports leagues are closely monitoring the potential ripple effects.
Simultaneously, other reform efforts like the PREPARE Act have also surfaced, urging the Attorney General to develop pathways for federal legalization. Yet the path remains fraught: Republican lawmakers are actively pushing back against administration efforts to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act.
What’s New in the 2025 Push
- Resumption of the MORE Act: First introduced years ago, the MORE Act now returns with fresh backing. Its core goals are to deschedule cannabis, expunge prior offenses, and invest in disadvantaged communities through a “progressive” excise tax.
- Rescheduling pressure: Parallel to full descheduling efforts, the Biden-era DOJ had already initiated rulemaking to move cannabis to Schedule III. That process was delayed and now faces renewed turbulence under the Trump-aligned administration.
- Political headwinds: Resistance from Republicans, complex procedural hurdles, and internal divisions are complicating the reform drive.
- Wider legislative mix: The reform push is not limited to one track. Bills like PREPARE seek more incremental executive-driven legalization, while the MORE Act is a full legislative rewrite.
Why This Matters to Pro Sports Leagues
Even before federal reform, leagues have begun softening their cannabis policies. But the new proposals could force more profound change in multiple dimensions:
- Drug Testing & Athlete Discipline
Leagues currently maintain THC thresholds, suspensions, or fines when those thresholds are breached. Once cannabis is no longer federally prohibited, players and unions may push for the elimination of punitive measures altogether—arguing that cannabis use should no longer be treated as criminal or inherently anti-competitive. - Medical & Performance Use
For years, cannabis’s Schedule I status constrained clinical trials. Expanded research under new law could supply rigorous data on cannabinoids’ roles in pain management, concussion treatment, and inflammation—potentially reshaping how leagues view cannabis in medical protocols. - Sponsorships & Partnerships
With federal risk diminished, teams and leagues could more boldly enter into commercial relationships with cannabis and CBD companies. Today, any affiliation is often hampered by federal restrictions and branding risk. Under reform, “weed-friendly” sponsorship could become more mainstream. - Jurisdictional Uniformity
Pro leagues span states with widely divergent cannabis laws. Right now, an athlete may legally consume cannabis in State A but be penalized under league rules when playing in State B. Federal reform could simplify this patchwork, mandating consistent national standards rather than state-based exceptions. - Image, Brand, & Fan Engagement
As public acceptance of cannabis grows, leagues risk appearing out of touch if their policies remain punitive. Conversely, early reform adaptation—and careful positioning—could open new fan-facing initiatives or community partnerships in the cannabis space.
Challenges & Timing
Even with a reintroduced MORE Act and renewed executive pressure, the odds of swift passage remain uncertain. Republicans in Congress are resisting rescheduling efforts, and internal disagreements could stall momentum. Furthermore, any significant shifts in league policies will need negotiation with players’ unions and inclusion in future collective bargaining agreements.
Still, if Congress manages to pass reform, pro sports may be forced to catch up rapidly—or risk being out of alignment with evolving legal, cultural, and athlete expectations.