Trump’s New DEA Chief Sidelines Cannabis Rescheduling, Despite Earlier Promise

Terrance Cole has officially taken the helm at the Drug Enforcement Administration—and cannabis reformers aren’t exactly thrilled. Though the newly appointed DEA chief publicly signalled a willingness to reconsider marijuana’s federal status just months ago, that topic is now nowhere to be found in his newly published list of top priorities.

The announcement comes as cannabis advocates, state lawmakers and even some federal officials had been cautiously optimistic about long-overdue movement on marijuana rescheduling. But Cole’s silence on the matter suggests that—for now—the DEA is looking the other way.

A Priority List That Speaks Volumes

Just two days after his swearing-in ceremony on July 23, Cole rolled out his eight-point strategic agenda. It’s all about enforcement, international collaboration, and sharpening tools to tackle fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. What’s missing is loud and clear: not a single mention of cannabis, rescheduling, or reviewing its classification under the Controlled Substances Act.

That’s not a minor omission. Marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I drug—on par with heroin—under federal law, despite being legal in some form in 38 U.S. states.

Back in April, Cole indicated that reviewing cannabis scheduling was “a part of the larger conversation” and that he was “open to science-based evaluation.” That had given reformers a hint of hope.

The Eight Strategic Focus Areas—But No Weed

Here’s what Cole did include in his strategy:

• Expanding task forces to combat fentanyl trafficking

• Strengthening international cooperation on cartel dismantling

• Cracking down on synthetic opioids

• Enhancing data-sharing with state and local law enforcement

• Boosting the DEA’s technological capabilities

• Increasing prescription drug monitoring

• Targeting dark web marketplaces

• Raising public awareness on drug threats

While no one is arguing against the importance of these issues—especially in the context of the opioid crisis—cannabis reformers are pointing out the elephant in the room. Or rather, the one that’s no longer in the room at all.

One former federal drug policy official, speaking anonymously, called the omission “both deliberate and political.” Another added: “Leaving it out doesn’t mean it’s off the table forever. But it’s certainly not on the front burner anymore.”

A Glaring Shift in Tone

Let’s rewind to April. Cole, then just nominated, gave a measured but notable response to questions about marijuana rescheduling during his Senate confirmation hearing. “We must follow the science,” he told lawmakers. “If new evidence suggests a need for review, the agency will respond accordingly.”

That measured tone was enough to prompt optimism from cannabis industry players and some Democratic lawmakers. Rescheduling marijuana—from Schedule I to perhaps Schedule III—would be a bureaucratic move but symbolically massive. It could remove significant legal roadblocks to research and medical use, not to mention taxation benefits for cannabis businesses.

Fast forward to July. The omission has been read by many as a signal that Cole is aligning more with Trump’s historically tough-on-drugs stance rather than positioning the DEA for policy evolution.

And that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Politics Behind the Priorities

Let’s be blunt: it’s an election year. That fact alone may be shaping Cole’s cautious agenda.

President Trump has walked a political tightrope when it comes to cannabis. While he has occasionally made vague supportive comments—especially about states’ rights—his administration previously rescinded Obama-era memos that discouraged federal prosecution of marijuana offences in legal states.

It’s not hard to see why cannabis didn’t make the list. Republicans remain divided on the issue. Polling consistently shows that a majority of Americans—more than 68% according to a 2023 Pew survey—support legalising marijuana. But federal conservatives continue to push back, framing the issue as a public safety concern.

By keeping cannabis off the agenda, Cole may be aiming to avoid unnecessary friction. Or he may simply not want to spend political capital on a reform that requires extensive inter-agency coordination and congressional oversight.

Either way, the silence speaks volumes.

Cannabis Industry Reaction: Disappointed, But Not Surprised

Across the legal cannabis sector, the mood is a mix of frustration and realism. Several trade groups released cautiously worded statements urging the DEA not to backslide on the scheduling issue.

“We were hopeful after Mr Cole’s remarks earlier this year,” said Maya Thompson, Policy Director at the National Cannabis Reform Coalition. “Now it feels like we’ve been benched again.”

Still, many in the industry aren’t entirely shocked. Previous attempts at federal reform—be it SAFE Banking or Schedule III reclassification—have stalled time and again in the face of political resistance.

It’s not the first letdown, and likely not the last.

What’s Next? Uncertainty, Mostly

Where does that leave things? Hard to say.

The Department of Health and Human Services already recommended marijuana be moved to Schedule III last year. The DEA is the next—and final—step in the process. But Cole’s omission of the topic from his priority list suggests that decision is neither imminent nor guaranteed.

Here’s a quick snapshot of where things stand:

The table shows a government not exactly on the same page.

One DEA insider, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said internal staffers are still working on cannabis data collection. “It’s not off the radar entirely. But it’s not moving fast.”

That lack of momentum could have legal and commercial implications. Without a shift in scheduling, cannabis businesses remain barred from federal banking services, taxed heavily, and vulnerable to raids in non-legal states.