President Trump’s pick for drug czar just called marijuana rescheduling a bipartisan issue, but the White House keeps all doors open. This twist in a Senate hearing could shift cannabis policy nationwide, leaving advocates and critics on edge about what’s next.
Hearing Spotlights Cannabis Debate
Sara Carter faced tough questions during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. As Trump’s nominee to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, she described marijuana reform as a matter that crosses party lines. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, pushed Carter on her views, highlighting her past support for medical marijuana access back in 2023.
Booker pointed out the growing evidence from bipartisan hearings where military personnel shared stories of how cannabis helped with issues like pain and PTSD. Carter agreed that the topic deserves attention, saying the administration is still weighing options on moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.
This rescheduling would treat cannabis more like codeine or steroids, opening doors for research and medical use without full legalization. Carter stressed that she sees it as a bipartisan issue, but she made clear the final call rests with the president and his team.
The hearing comes at a time when public opinion on marijuana has shifted dramatically. A recent Gallup poll from 2024 showed 70% of Americans support legalization, up from just 12% in 1969.
Bipartisan Momentum Builds in Congress
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have ramped up pressure on the Trump administration to act on cannabis reform. Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee recently noted that Trump’s comments on rescheduling have sparked more talks among colleagues, even pushing for related changes like banking access for the industry.
Republicans aren’t sitting out either. Some, like former Trump advisors, have hinted at private commitments from the president to move forward with rescheduling. This aligns with broader efforts, including a push from bipartisan groups to study descheduling entirely.
- Key benefits of rescheduling include slashing taxes for cannabis businesses, which could save them billions.
- It would also boost medical research, helping veterans and others with chronic conditions.
- States with legal programs might see easier federal alignment, reducing conflicts.
Carter’s testimony echoed this unity, as she avoided firm commitments but acknowledged the shared interest in addressing drug policy thoughtfully.
In her responses, Carter drew from her background as a reporter, saying her firsthand experience with drug trafficking and overdose crises shapes her approach. She promised to advise based on facts, not politics.
Administration Weighs All Paths Forward
The White House remains cautious, with Carter stating that “all options” are on the table for marijuana scheduling. This process, started under President Biden, has lingered, and Trump’s team now holds the reins. Insiders suggest the decision could come soon, but details stay under wraps.
Trump has flirted with reform ideas before, supporting state-level efforts like Florida’s legalization push. Yet, his administration has nominees like Terrance Cole for DEA head, who could tip the scales on final rulings.
A move to Schedule III wouldn’t legalize recreational use but would ease restrictions on prescriptions and studies. Industry leaders, such as those from major cannabis firms, have lobbied hard, pointing to economic gains. One executive estimated the market could double to $50 billion in five years with these changes.
Carter also touched on broader drug challenges, like the overdose crisis claiming over 100,000 lives yearly, per CDC data from 2024. She argued that any cannabis policy must fit into fighting harder drugs without creating new risks.
This balanced view has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as progress, while critics worry it delays real change.
Potential Impacts on Everyday Americans
If rescheduling happens, it could reshape lives across the country. Patients with conditions like epilepsy or chronic pain might get easier access to cannabis treatments, backed by more research funding.
For businesses, the shift would mean big tax breaks under IRS rules, helping small operators compete. States like California and Colorado, where cannabis is already legal, could see smoother operations without federal clashes.
But challenges remain. Opponents fear it might increase youth use, though studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2023 found no spike in teen consumption in legal states.
Here’s a quick look at public support trends:
| Year | Support for Legalization (%) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 46 | Gallup |
| 2020 | 68 | Gallup |
| 2024 | 70 | Gallup |
This data shows a steady rise, reflecting changing attitudes that politicians can’t ignore.
Carter’s role, if confirmed, would involve guiding policy on these fronts, potentially bridging divides.
The hearing also highlighted personal stories, like veterans who say cannabis transformed their recovery from injuries. Booker shared examples of service members finding relief, urging Carter to prioritize such voices.
As debates heat up, the administration’s next steps could set the tone for years.
This development stirs excitement and uncertainty in the push for marijuana reform, summing up a bipartisan call for change amid careful White House review. It offers hope for medical access and economic boosts, while tackling broader drug issues that touch millions
