Trump-Backed GOP Rep. Randy Fine To Cannabis Leaders: Don’t Assume Congress Understands Cannabis Policy, Focus On ‘Easy Wins’

U.S. Representative Randy Fine (R–FL) may not seem like a natural ally for the cannabis industry. A self-described conservative who has referred to himself as an “accidental” congressman, Fine admitted he once opposed medical marijuana in Florida. Yet during a fireside chat with Dan Murphy, Corporate Counsel at BGR Group, at Ignite’s Cannabis Capital and Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., he delivered one of the most straightforward arguments for why Congress must finally modernize marijuana policy.

Fine, who brings years of experience from the Florida Legislature, explained to the crowd how he unexpectedly landed in Congress after President Donald Trump tweeted that Fine would run for a newly open House seat. “Had you told me a year ago that I would be in Congress, I would have told you that you were crazy,” he said.

Fine told attendees that although he voted against medical cannabis, Florida voters approved it overwhelmingly. “What I think doesn’t really matter, it’s what the voters think,” he said. Notably, Fine chaired the health care committee during the rollout of the state’s medical marijuana program.

Fine urged cannabis advocates to prioritize reforms even skeptical Republicans can accept, such as banking and research access. “I would look for the easy wins,” he said.

Advocates should not assume lawmakers understand cannabis policy at all, Fine continued. “I would predict that most members of Congress have no idea that marijuana is scheduled the same as heroin,” he said.

That said, Fine emphasized the need for rescheduling. “Marijuana is not heroin,” he said.

Given that cannabis dispensaries now operate throughout Florida, the ongoing prohibition on unrestricted research and the reliance on armored transport for financial transactions are unjust. “Wouldn’t you agree… It’s better for all involved that we can have a bank account than to drive around with trucks full of cash,” Fine said.

For the cannabis industry, he suggested, the path forward is clear: show up, educate lawmakers and focus on reforms that common sense already supports.

Join Us at Our Upcoming Events

As federal cannabis policy enters a pivotal stretch, IgniteIt will continue convening the operators, investors, regulators, and policymakers shaping the future of the industry. We invite you to join us at our upcoming national and regional events:

New Jersey Policy & Capital Forum

February 10, 2026 — Jersey City, NJ

Missouri Policy Roundtable

April 2026 — Kansas City, MO

Chicago Cannabis Capital Conference ‘26

June 14–16, 2026 — Chicago, IL

Industry leaders, policymakers, and investors will reconvene for three days of capital-market insights, policy briefings, and strategic networking. For agenda details, registration, and scholarship information for minority- and women-owned businesses, visit https://events.igniteit.com/