President Donald Trump’s nominee for top drug policy adviser just signaled the White House keeps every door open on changing cannabis rules. Sara Carter’s words at her Senate hearing spark fresh hope and questions for millions eyeing legal weed reforms. What could this mean for medical access and business? Dive in to see the full picture.
Hearing Spotlights Bipartisan Push
Sara Carter faced the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 17, 2025, as Trump’s pick to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy. She called cannabis rescheduling a “bipartisan issue” that cuts across party lines. Lawmakers from both sides have pushed for this change, seeing it as a way to match science with policy.
Carter stressed the need for more research and data before any final call. She said the administration explores “all options” on moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This shift started under President Joe Biden, but now Trump weighs in.
Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, pressed her on advice for Trump. Carter stayed neutral, noting her role limits public support for reforms. Still, her tone hinted at openness.
The hearing drew attention because rescheduling could ease federal limits. It might help medical users in strict states and boost research.
White House Reviews Data Amid Growing Support
Trump’s team reviews stacks of reports on cannabis. Sources say White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles got positions from agencies, now on her desk. This comes as polls show most Americans back some form of legalization.
A recent Texas poll found strong support for cannabis reforms, even in red states. Nationwide, a 2024 study by Pew Research Center showed 57% of adults favor full legalization, up from prior years. Pew ran this survey in April 2024 with over 10,000 participants.
Carter, a former Fox News commentator, has voiced support for medical marijuana before. She told senators she would “work extensively with research and data” if confirmed.
This could legitimize nearly half a million jobs in the cannabis industry. Workers in states with legal weed might see federal backing, cutting risks from old laws.
rescheduling would not mean full legalization. It treats cannabis like codeine, still controlled but open for medical use.
Key Players and Past Debates
Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump advisor, stands out as a big backer of rescheduling in his inner circle. GOP Congressman Brian Mast shared this in a recent chat, calling her the “biggest champion.”
Other voices chime in too. Sean Spicer, Trump’s ex-press secretary, doubts quick action, while advisor Roger Stone pushes for reform in op-eds.
The Drug Enforcement Administration delayed its hearing on this until 2025. An agency judge ruled this in October 2024, giving more time for input.
Here’s a quick look at schedule levels:
- Schedule I: High abuse risk, no medical use (like heroin).
- Schedule III: Lower abuse risk, accepted medical use (like steroids).
Moving cannabis here could slash taxes for businesses under IRS rules.
Trump himself said in August 2025 he’s “going to look at” marijuana issues. His silence fueled talks, with some advisors hinting at a states’ rights angle.
Impacts on Health and Economy
Rescheduling might open doors for veterans. A new VA bill signals Trump clears paths for this, per industry watchers.
On health, more studies could prove cannabis helps with pain or anxiety. The National Institutes of Health funded research in 2023 showing promise for chronic pain, based on trials with thousands of patients.
But costs could rise for compliance. Businesses face DEA registration and FDA oversight, plus state rules. This mess might hit small operators hard.
Economically, the industry hit $28 billion in sales last year, per a 2024 report from MJBizDaily. Rescheduling could add billions more by easing banking woes. Risks remain, like youth use warnings from Trump’s team.
Roadblocks and Future Steps
Congress tried to block rescheduling in September 2025. A committee move aimed to keep cannabis in Schedule I, but it stalled.
Senate votes on Carter loom soon. If confirmed, she advises Trump directly on drug policy.
Polymarket traders bet 26% odds on rescheduling by year’s end, up recently. This shows market buzz.
New Hampshire held legalization hearings, tying into national talks.
Trump’s pick frames this as bipartisan, but decisions rest with data. Delays push action into late 2025.
As Trump’s administration digs into cannabis rescheduling, this move could reshape lives for medical patients, boost economies in legal states, and spark broader debates on drug laws. It’s a step toward matching policy with modern views, offering hope to those tired of outdated rules.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
