Drug policy was largely a backburner issue in 2025, with minimal attention from the public and policymakers. Despite some moderate activists and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s interest in the topic, substance use and addiction problems did not dominate the headlines.
The year began with the Trump administration making significant layoffs in agencies focused on addiction and mental health. In June, the administration issued a controversial executive order targeting harm reduction organizations that provide supervised consumption services to combat homelessness.
Furthermore, key positions in agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration remained vacant, and the nomination of Sara Carter Bailey as the "drug czar" was stalled in the Senate confirmation process.
As 2025 drew to a close, the Trump administration escalated its efforts against drug smuggling boats from Venezuela, Congress closed the "hemp loophole," and fentanyl was declared a weapon of mass destruction.
Looking ahead to 2026, three key questions stand out in the realm of substance use and behavioral health:
- What happens next for cannabis?
The Trump administration signed an executive order in December 2025 endorsing the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a move that could open up opportunities for research and access to cannabis-based products. However, the process of implementing this change involves navigating regulatory hurdles and potential opposition from various stakeholders.Additionally, policymakers need to address the regulatory framework surrounding hemp-derived products containing CBD, which have surged in popularity but face uncertainty due to legal ambiguities.
- Will psychedelics see a breakthrough?
Advocates of psychedelic therapies believe these substances could revolutionize the treatment of conditions like addiction and depression. With growing support for psychedelic research and therapies, 2026 could be a pivotal year for advancing the acceptance and regulation of these drugs. - Will opioid deaths continue to decline?
After years of escalating drug overdose deaths, the trend began to reverse in 2022 and has continued to decline. The Biden administration’s policy changes, including increased access to addiction medications and harm reduction efforts, have contributed to this downward trend. However, the underlying factors driving this decline remain unclear, raising questions about the long-term trajectory of the opioid crisis.As the nation grapples with these complex issues, the year ahead will be critical in shaping the future of drug policy and public health initiatives.
