Trump’s Drug Czar Nominee Side-Steps Questions on Cannabis Rescheduling

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October 10 2025

Carter’s Nomination

President Donald Trump nominated Sara Carter as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).During her Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Sept. 17, 2025, Carter avoided clear stances on cannabis policy.

Questions on Cannabis

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) asked Carter about her support for medical cannabis legalization, citing her November 2023 podcast where she endorsed it for managing illnesses.Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) pressed her on cannabis rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.Carter responded vaguely, promising to “comply with all federal laws” and work with agencies to review “facts and evidence.”

Rescheduling Stalled

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended in August 2023 that cannabis be reclassified as a Schedule III substance due to low abuse potential and accepted medical use.Former Attorney General Merrick Garland endorsed this, but the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under Anne Milgram, did not act.An interlocutory appeal, granted by a retired DEA judge, has delayed the process for nine months.DEA Administrator Terry Cole, sworn in July 23, 2025, promised to prioritize rescheduling but reported no progress in an Oct. 6 update.

Policy Constraints

Federal restrictions prevent ONDCP from supporting Schedule I substance legalization or funding related research without FDA approval.The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025, introduced by Reps. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), aims to lift these limits.Carter’s vague responses reflect these legal constraints.

Trump’s Mixed Signals

In September 2024, Trump supported cannabis rescheduling.At an Aug. 11, 2025, press briefing, he said a decision was weeks away but noted mixed public views on cannabis.Two months later, no decision has been made.

Ongoing Uncertainty

Carter, Cole, and Attorney General Pam Bondi have not clarified the administration’s direction on rescheduling.The lack of progress leaves cannabis policy in limbo.