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.”

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.

It is a throwback to simpler, easy times – getting high and playing OG video games….

Gen Z is known for valuing sustainability and avoiding overconsumption, making secondhand and vintage items appealing, so they have a through back look, but another generation is also looking backwards fondly. Retro gaming while consuming cannabis is on the rise. A new millennial trend has emerged—pairing retro video games with a mellow high and a curated playlist of nostalgic music. It’s part comfort, part dopamine boost, and all about chasing the joy of simpler times.

The shift is easy to understand: With adult responsibilities piling up and daily stress at an all-time high, many millennials are embracing activities that feel safe, familiar, and dopamine-rich. Cannabis enhances that experience, making gameplay more immersive and even emotionally resonant.

“It’s less about getting stoned and more about feeling grounded,” says Rachel, 34, a Portland-based designer who hosts weekly retro gaming nights. “You fire up Super Smash Bros, share a joint, put on an old MGMT track, and suddenly you’re 19 again—but without the finals.”

To match the mood, music is essential. Below is a cannabis-friendly playlist built for three stages of your night: the mellow warm-up, the mid-session nostalgia spike, and the chill comedown.

Level 1: Warm-Up – Light and Uplifting

• “Electric Feel” – MGMT

• “Float On” – Modest Mouse

• “Young Folks” – Peter Bjorn and John

Level 2: Peak High – Nostalgia Boosters

Level 3: Cool Down – Soft and Spacey

• “Sunset Lover” – Petit Biscuit

• “Night Owl” – Galimatias

• “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” – Radiohead

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More than just entertainment, these cannabis-powered gaming nights have become a form of self-care—an easy ritual that blends relaxation, nostalgia, and connection. For a generation known for anxiety and burnout, it’s a reminder that joy can be simple: a few friends, an old console, and the right playlist.

[PRESS RELEASE] – TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 11, 2025 – Trulieve Cannabis Corp., a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., announced the launch of Redemption Cannabis products at Trulieve dispensaries in West Virginia.

Redemption Cannabis, founded by industry advocate Ryan Basore, reinvests a portion of every sale to support individuals and families impacted by cannabis prohibition laws. Redemption’s mission stems from Basore’s commitment to justice after he served time in federal prison on cannabis-related charges.

Redemption’s flower is available in Trulieve dispensaries throughout West Virginia starting July 11.

“Partnering with Trulieve allows us to bring Redemption products to new markets like West Virginia, a place that holds deep personal significance for me,” Basore said. “Returning to Morgantown, where I was once incarcerated, represents a full-circle moment. It’s about reaching more people with a brand that stands for those impacted by cannabis prohibition.”

In bringing Redemption Cannabis to West Virginia, Trulieve proudly supports a company founded on reform and second chances.

“Ryan turned his personal story into a purpose-driven brand,” Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers said. “Trulieve is proud to partner with Redemption to offer West Virginians high-quality products that stand for meaningful change.”

For more information on Redemption Cannabis, visit RedemptionCanna.com. Visit Trulieve.com to find store locations, sign up for updates and shop for products online.