Trump’s Pick To Lead DEA Says Marijuana Rescheduling Review Will Be ‘One Of My First Priorities’ In The Job

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says examining a proposal to federally reschedule marijuana will be “one of my first priorities” if he’s confirmed for the role, saying it’s “time to move forward” on the stalled process.

However, DEA administrator nominee Terrance Cole repeatedly declined to commit to support the specific proposed rule to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) that was initiated under the Biden administration.

“If confirmed, it’ll be one of my first priorities when I arrived at DEA to see where we are in the administrative process,” Cole told Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I’m not familiar exactly where we are, but I know the process has been delayed numerous times—and it’s time to move forward.”

Pressed on his position on the specific proposal to move marijuana to Schedule III, he said, “I need to understand more where [agencies] are and look at the science behind it and listen to the experts and really understand where they are in the process.”

Cole also said in response to questions from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) at the hearing he feels it’s appropriate to form a “working group” to look at the federal-state marijuana law disconnect in order to “stay ahead of it.”

Cole has previously voiced concerns about the dangers of marijuana and linked its use to higher suicide risk among youth.

This story is developing.

Pennsylvania Governor Will Put Marijuana Legalization In His Budget, But Top GOP Senator Remains Skeptical