It’s been just weeks since Terrance C. Cole took the reins at the Drug Enforcement Administration, and already the cannabis industry is bristling with concern. Despite previous assurances, Cole has left marijuana rescheduling off his list of top priorities — a move that’s igniting frustration and political scrutiny from all sides.
During his Senate confirmation, Cole assured lawmakers that re-evaluating cannabis’s Schedule I status would be high on his agenda. But now? It’s vanished from the conversation entirely. His recently released eight-point plan leans heavily on traditional enforcement, not reform.
Enforcement Takes Centre Stage — Cannabis Left in the Dust
Cole’s first public-facing priorities focus on cracking down on drug trafficking — internationally and domestically. He’s targeting cartels, illicit finance, and “transnational criminal organizations.” That much is clear.
But what’s missing is louder than what’s said.
There’s no mention of the cannabis rescheduling process, no acknowledgement of its stalled status, and no signal to states or legal businesses who’ve been left dangling in the grey area between federal and state law.
That’s all the cannabis issue got — buried in months-old hearing transcripts.
It’s not just an oversight. It feels calculated.
From Promises to Policy Gaps
In April, during his confirmation hearing, Cole was directly asked about cannabis’s status under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I — where cannabis currently sits — is supposed to be reserved for substances with no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse. Most agree it no longer fits.
Back then, Cole said the following: “This will be one of my first priorities upon assuming the role.”
Now, that comment rings hollow.
His silence is fuelling speculation that political pressure — or personal philosophy — has shifted his focus. Several lawmakers who supported his nomination are now privately expressing disappointment.
And just last week, the DEA’s own Administrative Law Judge announced his retirement and formally handed the cannabis rescheduling matter back to the Administrator’s office. His parting line? “For whatever action, if any, he deems appropriate.”
Where the White House Stands — or Doesn’t
Let’s not forget: President Trump’s campaign platform last year included cannabis reform. He even said he supported moving marijuana out of Schedule I.
Since then? Nothing. Not a peep.
No executive orders. No public comment. No policy signals.
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No new appointees tied to cannabis reform
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No funding allocations for research
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No engagement with state legal markets
Meanwhile, 24 states have legalised adult-use cannabis. Over 70% of Americans support reform, according to Pew Research. Yet at the federal level, inertia reigns.
Legal Uncertainty Puts States and Businesses in a Bind
Here’s the problem: federal limbo isn’t just annoying — it’s dangerous. Banks still won’t work with cannabis companies. Legal growers and sellers face steep insurance costs, limited interstate movement, and persistent stigma.
This isn’t just bureaucratic delay. It’s a multi-billion-dollar economy forced to operate under old laws written for a different era.
| Issue | Impact on Legal Cannabis Businesses |
|---|---|
| Schedule I Status | No federal tax deductions allowed |
| Banking Restrictions | Cash-heavy operations risk robbery |
| Lack of Research Funding | No clinical trials or drug development |
| Interstate Transport Ban | Supply chains stuck within states |
| Employment Law Confusion | Workers fired for legal use |
And now, with Cole focusing elsewhere, hopes for clarity are fading fast.
Advocates Cry Foul — “This Feels Like a Step Backwards”
Advocacy groups aren’t staying quiet. NORML, the National Cannabis Industry Association, and others have all issued strongly worded responses since Cole’s announcement.
One cannabis policy analyst in D.C. told Bloomberg News on background:
“This isn’t just delay. It’s a signal that this administration is punting the issue.”
Even some Republicans who once supported Cole’s appointment are reportedly frustrated. One GOP aide said, “We were led to believe this would move quickly. There’s no movement at all.”
This lack of follow-through is leading to fears that the DEA will stall indefinitely — or worse, quietly shelve the entire process.
What Happens Next Is Anyone’s Guess
The only certainty right now is more uncertainty.
With the DEA judge stepping down, the decision now rests entirely with Administrator Cole. There’s no formal timeline. No mandate. No process to compel action.
And with Congress distracted and the White House silent, cannabis advocates are bracing for a long wait. Again.
In short? The DEA has the wheel — and it’s unclear if Cole intends to drive, park, or toss the keys.
David Johnson is a respected writer known for his expertise in crafting compelling articles about cannabis. With a passion for exploring the intersection of cannabis, health, and wellness, he sheds light on the therapeutic properties and potential uses of this versatile plant. David’s in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary offer readers a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation, consumption methods, and industry trends.
