Former NFL Star Talks Marijuana Rescheduling...

A retired professional football player who’s since become an advocate for
marijuana policy reform met with top Trump administration officials at the
White House to discuss the ongoing federal cannabis rescheduling process.

On Friday, former NFL player-turned-advocate Ricky Williams discussed the
reform with high-level staffers across multiple agencies at the White House
as part of a broader meeting that touched on cannabis.

Officials with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban
Development, Energy and White House Counsels Office were involved in the
conversations, Marijuana Moment has learned.

Williams, co-founder of Project Champion, told Marijuana Moment after the
meeting that he’s “seen firsthand how cannabis can change lives—not just
for wellness, but for opportunity.”

“When I left the NFL, people questioned my choices. But for me, cannabis
was part of my journey to healing—physically, emotionally, and
spiritually,” he said. “I’m not alone in that experience. Veterans, cancer
patients, and everyday Americans are all looking for safer, plant-based
alternatives—and right now, federal law stands in the way.”

“Rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III isn’t about
politics—it’s about freedom. It’s about empowering small businesses,
delivering tax relief, and creating jobs that count,” the athlete and
influencer said. “It’s about aligning federal law with what’s already
happening in 38 states. And most importantly, it’s about giving people
safe, legal access to medicine that works.”

“This reform is smart, it’s strategic, and it’s long overdue. Rescheduling
helps us build a stronger economy, protect our communities, and ensure this
industry benefits all Americans—including communities of color that have
historically been left behind. I’m proud to stand here today to say: this
is how we put America First.”

Bruce Levell, who is a longtime advisor to Trump and has served as
executive director of his National Diversity Coalition, was also at the
meeting.

He separately said in a social media post that he was “thrilled to share a
highly productive meeting with [White House] senior staff, discussing
President Trump’s transformative bill and its profound impact on urban and
rural America.”

“The Biden administration fell short on cannabis rescheduling, but we’re
eager for our next conversation on moving to Schedule III,” he said, adding
that Trump “is poised to deliver where others have not.”

Thrilled to share a highly productive meeting with @WhiteHouse senior
staff, discussing President Trump’s transformative bill and its profound
impact on urban and rural America. The Biden administration fell short on
cannabis rescheduling, but we’re eager for our next…
pic.twitter.com/q4ByH4dPg6

— Bruce LeVell (@Bruce_LeVell) July 11, 2025

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) again
notified an agency judge that the marijuana rescheduling process remains
stalled under the Trump administration.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. was previously vocal about his support for legalizing cannabis,
as well as psychedelics therapy. But during his Senate confirmation process
in February, he said that he would defer to DEA on marijuana rescheduling in
his new role.

Separately, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was reportedly photographed
reviewing a document that appears to be a draft contract to provide
services—including “administration-related guidance”—to a firm affiliated
with the major marijuana company Trulieve. The visible portion of the
document describes a lucrative bonus if a certain “matter resolves,” with
an “additional ‘Super Success Fee’” for other “exclusive policy remedies.”

Last month, the former congressman reiterated his own support for
rescheduling cannabis—suggesting in an interview with a Florida Republican
lawmaker that the GOP could win more of the youth vote by embracing
marijuana reform.

Gaetz also said last month that Trump’s endorsement of a Schedule III
reclassification was essentially an attempt to shore up support among young
voters rather than a sincere reflection of his personal views about
cannabis.

A survey conducted by a GOP pollster affiliated with Trump that was
released in April found that a majority of Republicans back a variety of
cannabis reforms, including rescheduling. And, notably, they’re even more
supportive of allowing states to legalize marijuana without federal
interference compared to the average voter.

Meanwhile, Trump picked former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) to
run DOJ, and the Senate confirmed that choice. During her confirmation
hearings, Bondi declined to say how she planned to navigate key marijuana
policy issues. And as state attorney general, she opposed efforts to
legalize medical cannabis.

Amid the stalled marijuana rescheduling process that’s carried over from
the last presidential administration, congressional researchers recently
reiterated that lawmakers could enact the reform themselves with “greater
speed and flexibility” if they so choose, while potentially avoiding
judicial challenges.

Meanwhile, a newly formed coalition of professional athletes and
entertainers, led by retired boxer Mike Tyson, sent a letter to Trump on
Friday—thanking him for past clemency actions while emphasizing the
opportunity he has to best former President Joe Biden by rescheduling
marijuana, expanding pardons and freeing up banking services for licensed
cannabis businesses.

The post Former NFL Star Talks Marijuana Rescheduling With Top Trump
Administration Officials At White House Meeting appeared first on Marijuana
Moment.