The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Terrance Cole as the next administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), installing a leader who has pledged to prioritize the agency’s ongoing review of marijuana’s federal status.
Nominated in February by President Donald Trump, Cole brings over 20 years of DEA experience, including overseas assignments and a stint as the agency’s Chief of Global Operations. He most recently served as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
During his confirmation hearing, Cole told the Senate Judiciary Committee that rescheduling marijuana would be “one of my first priorities” upon taking office. In response to a question from Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cole added, “I know the process has been delayed numerous times, and it’s time to move forward.”
Although Cole stopped short of endorsing the proposed shift from Schedule I to Schedule III, he said he would carefully examine the science, review the administrative process, and consult with experts before reaching a final determination. He also expressed openness to addressing the divide between federal law and state-level marijuana legalization, including support for forming a working group to study the ongoing legal conflicts, as suggested by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC).
With the Senate vote now behind him, Cole will immediately face pressure to act on the rescheduling review—a decision with major implications for marijuana research, enforcement, and industry regulation nationwide.
