President Trump’s second nominee for DEA Administrator is Terrance Cole, a former DEA veteran with over 20 years of service who most recently served as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. READ MORE: Wikipedia
He succeeded Chad Chronister, who initially was selected but withdrew in December 2024. MORE ABOUT: Wikipedia. The Senate confirmed Cole in July 2025 by a 50–47 party‑line vote. MORE ABOUT: MJBizDaily
Cole publicly voiced anti‑marijuana views, emphasizing concerns about THC potency, youth suicide risk, and long‑term cognitive harm in social media posts from early 2024. MORE ABOUT: FILTER
Cole’s Position on Cannabis Rescheduling
During his April 2025 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Cole stated that cannabis rescheduling would be “one of my first priorities” if confirmed, notably reviewing where the administrative process stands and reviewing relevant scientific evidence. READ MORE: Reddit
However, he declined to commit to following the HHS recommendation to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Instead, he pledged to give “careful consideration” after internal consultation and research review. READ MORE: MJBizDaily
This hesitancy raised mixed reactions: the cannabis industry expressed guarded optimism about moving forward, while critics pointed to his history of skepticism and ambiguity around concrete action. READ MORE: MJBizDaily, FILTER “Trump’s New DEA Pick Has “Just Say No” Stance on Marijuana – Filter”, Marijuana Moment
Status of Cannabis Rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act
In October 2022, the Biden administration initiated a review of cannabis’s federal classification. In August 2023, Health and Human Services (HHS) concluded cannabis should be rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III. READ MORE: Wikipedia
The DEA published a rulemaking proposal based on the HHS recommendation; the public comment period generated over 40,000 comments, the vast majority favoring full descheduling or at least Schedule III designation. READ MORE: Manzuri Law
However, administrative hearings scheduled for January 2025 were indefinitely postponed after procedural objections and challenges regarding fairness, including the withdrawal and pending appeal to the DEA Administrator—leaving the process in limbo. READ MORE: Manzuri Law. As recently as two weeks ago, the DEA reported no update to the overseeing judge. READ MORE: Cannabis Business Times
Implications of Cole’s Confirmation & What’s Next
Industry Perspective
Marijuana business associations urged Cole to advance the rescheduling in a “timely and transparent manner”, calling on him to fulfill Trump’s campaign promise to reclassify cannabis as Schedule III. READ MORE: Marijuana Moment. Analysts suggest rescheduling could unlock significant tax relief and facilitate federal research and banking access.
Potential Roadblocks
Still, anti‑legalization advocacy groups—such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana—are actively influencing the debate, lobbying to slow or block reform at both legislative and administrative levels. READ MORE: Reuters. Meanwhile, prior DEA leadership expressed skepticism about the process, criticizing perceived bias and procedural oversteps in how hearings were organized. READ MORE: Marijuana Moment, MarketWatch
Projections & Scenarios
Here are several possible future trajectories under Trump‑Cole leadership:
| Scenario | Likelihood | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Cole advances rescheduling (implements moving cannabis to Schedule III) | Moderate, if pressure from Trump administration and industry mounts | HHS recommendation followed; federal tax relief, expanded research, better banking access |
| Cole stalls or slows process | Possible, given his cautious tone and prior statements | Status quo maintained, industry frustration, possible lawsuits or legislative effort |
| Congress intervenes via appropriations riders | Real and ongoing (some House subcommittee bills aim to restrict DOJ rescheduling authority) | Could block DOJ funding for rescheduling efforts regardless of agency will. READ MORE: MJBizDaily, FILTER “Trump’s New DEA Pick Has “Just Say No” Stance on Marijuana – Filter”), Cannabis Business Times |
Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (if confirmed) may influence future classification policy. Although he has previously supported broader reform, he has also stated intent to defer to DEA on scheduling decisions and to review underlying scientific data before acting. READ MORE: FILTER “Trump’s New DEA Pick Has “Just Say No” Stance on Marijuana – Filter”
Key Takeaways
- Terrance (Terry) Cole is President Trump’s confirmed DEA Administrator, officially taking charge in July 2025.
- He has flagged cannabis rescheduling as a priority but declined to pledge support for the existing HHS recommendation to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
- The DEA’s rescheduling hearing remains stalled since early 2025, pending internal appeals and pending leadership transitions.
- The cannabis industry supports rescheduling, while anti‑legalization groups intensify efforts to prevent it.
- Legislative proposals at the federal level may curtail agency authority to reschedule cannabis via appropriations.
- Real change hinges on administrative action, congressional follow‑through, and external pressure on both DEA and DOJ leadership.
In summary, Cole’s appointment brings focus back to the stalled cannabis rescheduling process—but uncertainty remains. If he moves decisively, rescheduling to Schedule III could unlock financial, clinical, and regulatory easing; if not, the status quo may persist, with legislative or legal efforts filling the vacuum.