Advocates for cannabis reform have been on a political roller coaster ride as of late. The year started off with real potential for cannabis reform via rescheduling. That process was indefinitely delayed as a new administration arrived in Washington.
The nomination of prohibitionist Terrance Cole to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) led some to wonder if rescheduling was a distant dream. That dream was reignited when Cole noted the process would be immediately addressed if he were confirmed. Now, the pendulum has swung yet again as new written testimony reveals Cole’s hesitancy to commit to action.
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The nominee was asked directly if he would follow the Health and Human Services recommendation that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III. Cole refused to say yes or no.
“If confirmed, I will give the matter careful consideration after consulting with appropriate personnel within the Drug Enforcement Administration, familiarizing myself with the current status of the regulatory process, and reviewing all relevant Information,” he wrote.
The former DEA agent reiterated his stance in follow-up questions, referring back to his original answer.
Cannabis advocates have mixed feelings on DEA pick Cole
The new testimony may curb the excitement brought on by Cole’s initial statements during his confirmation proceedings. Cole previously said that rescheduling would “be one of my first priorities.”
Speaking in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, Cole added, “It’s time to move forward.”
Cole was asked point-blank during the hearing if he was in favor of rescheduling, and he declined to endorse the proposal. He instead said, “I’m leaving the door open to studying everything that’s been done so far, so I can make a determination.”
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Speaking on the current patchwork of marijuana policy throughout the country, Cole acknowledged there should be some type of federal regulation put forth.
“We need to stay ahead of it,” he contended.
At that time, the comments were seen as a green flag by many within the cannabis space, offering hope that change could indeed be on the way. The U.S. Cannabis Roundtable, a coalition of operators that lobbies for reform, felt positively about the remarks.
“We’re encouraged by President Trump’s nomination of Terry Cole to lead the DEA and his acknowledgement that cannabis rescheduling is something the administration will be looking at,” the group said in a statement sent to GreenState. “We see this as a clear signal that the president is open to practical reforms that resonate with a broad swath of the American public.”
When Cole was first announced as President Trump’s pick to lead the DEA, advocates for cannabis reform were less optimistic. Cole had previously indicated concerns over legalization on social media and the DEA’s own blog.
As Cole remains mum on the subject, it appears cannabis advocates are back to square one.
