President Donald Trump has named Terrance C. Cole as his pick for the next administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a move that signals a return to hardline drug policies. Cole, a law enforcement veteran with more than 30 years of experience, has made his stance on cannabis crystal clear—he’s not a fan.
A Career Spent in Law Enforcement
Cole, who currently serves as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, has an extensive background in federal drug enforcement. His 22-year tenure with the DEA included work in Oklahoma, Colombia, and Afghanistan before he moved into leadership roles in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City.
His state-level role in Virginia placed him in charge of 11 public safety agencies and over 19,000 employees. In short, he’s no stranger to high-stakes drug policy decisions.
Trump announced Cole’s nomination on Truth Social, writing, “Together, we will save lives, and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.” The message is clear: Trump wants a DEA administrator who will take a tough stance on drugs, and Cole fits that mold.
What This Means for Cannabis Policy
Cole’s appointment comes at a critical moment in the debate over cannabis rescheduling. Under President Joe Biden, the Department of Justice had proposed moving cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, a shift that would loosen restrictions and open up new medical research opportunities.
However, the process stalled just before Trump took office, when the DEA’s Chief Administrative Law Judge, John J. Mulrooney, granted an interlocutory appeal that delayed the agency’s final decision. With Cole now positioned to take over, it’s uncertain whether the cannabis review process will continue or be shelved altogether.
One thing is clear—Cole doesn’t seem eager to loosen marijuana laws.
A Strong Stance Against Cannabis
Cole’s views on cannabis aren’t exactly a mystery. Over the past year, he has repeatedly signaled his opposition to legalization.
- During a visit to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, he posted on LinkedIn using hashtags like #justsayno, #notlegal4distribution, and #healthissues.
- In February 2024, he shared a DEA article on Facebook warning about peer pressure and marijuana use, calling it “four times more dangerous” than it was 30 years ago.
- That same month, he posted an article on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting a link between cannabis use and rising youth suicide rates, captioning it: “Concerned about our youth?”
His messaging aligns closely with Nancy Reagan’s 1980s “Just Say No” campaign, which was a cornerstone of America’s war on drugs. That approach led to decades of strict drug laws and mass incarceration—policies that have since faced widespread criticism for disproportionately impacting minority communities.
Could Trump Reverse Biden’s Cannabis Rescheduling Efforts?
The Biden administration’s push to reclassify cannabis drew 43,000 public comments, with many advocates hoping the federal government would finally ease restrictions on the drug. But Trump’s regulatory freeze on all executive agencies—announced on his first day back in office—could halt that progress.
Trump has offered mixed signals on cannabis policy. On the campaign trail last September, he expressed support for moving cannabis to Schedule III, saying:
“As president, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug.”
But words are one thing—actions are another. And with Cole running the DEA, the chances of a swift move on rescheduling seem increasingly slim.
What Happens Next?
For now, the cannabis debate remains in limbo. The DEA’s hearing process on rescheduling is paused, and without a final rule published in the Federal Register before Trump took office, his administration has the power to kill the proposal entirely.
Cole, with his strict anti-marijuana stance, could be the person to do just that.
The pro-cannabis lobby won’t be happy, but for those who still back the war-on-drugs mentality, Cole’s nomination is exactly what they wanted.
Emily Wilson is a talented wordsmith whose passion for cannabis shines through in her eloquent articles that explore the plant’s cultural significance and historical context. With a focus on arts and lifestyle, she weaves together narratives that celebrate the creativity, innovation, and community fostered by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide. Emily’s unique perspective and engaging storytelling invite readers to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the diverse facets of the cannabis experience.
