The White House is considering all options for rescheduling cannabis, according to Sara Carter, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Carter made the statement during her confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, where she refrained from endorsing a proposed rule to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Carter acknowledged that cannabis rescheduling is a bipartisan issue, but emphasized the need for more research and data before making any decisions. She also noted that the ONDCP will continue to work extensively with research and data, and explore all options.
The proposed rule to reclassify cannabis was signed off on by former Attorney General Merrick Garland after the Department of Health and Human Services conducted a scientific review and made the recommendation. However, the Trump administration has yet to make a decision on the proposal.
Carter’s comments come as the administration explores all options for cannabis rescheduling, including the possibility of reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug. This would allow for the use of cannabis for medical purposes, but would not legalize it for recreational use.
The ONDCP director nominee’s comments were met with skepticism by some lawmakers, who expressed frustration that the administration has not yet made a decision on the proposal. Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, asked Carter how she would advise Trump on the proposal if she is confirmed.
Carter’s response was cautious, stating that she would comply with all federal laws and fulfill all statutory responsibilities of the ONDCP. She also noted that the ONDCP would continue to study the impacts of cannabis legalization.
The controversy surrounding cannabis rescheduling is not new. In 2024, the National Academies released a study recommending that Congress allow the ONDCP to study the impacts of cannabis legalization. The study found that 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis for those 21 years and older, and 40 states have legalized medical cannabis.
The debate over cannabis rescheduling is likely to continue in the coming months, as lawmakers and advocates on both sides of the issue weigh in on the proposal.
