New U.S. Drug Czar Seems to Support Medical Cannabis
While supporters and opponents of cannabis rescheduling continue to work their way through the DEA’s administrative process, President Donald Trump has nominated media personality Sara Carter as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). She will likely be the next Drug Czar – even as an apparent supporter of medical cannabis.
Her appointment may or may not be a surprise to those who follow Washington politics. But the interesting thing about it is that federal law prohibits the Drug Czar from promoting marijuana legalization in any official capacity or function of the position. So Carter will not be making speeches in which she indicates support for medical cannabis, for example.
What the Drug Czar Does
The director of the ONDCP holds an administrative position and answers to the White House. They are tasked with coordinating national drug control policies intended to reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs throughout the U.S. The director also allocates funds for related federal programs.
In addition, the Drug Czar coordinates and oversees executive branch efforts relating to drug control issues, ensuring that they complement what the states are already doing. So those TV commercials encouraging kids to stay away from drugs? They fall under the Drug Czar’s purview.
Under no circumstances can the Drug Czar promote what the federal government deems illegal. So again, Carter will not be able to use her official position to advocate for medical cannabis legalization. It will be interesting to watch her attempt to temper past remarks in light of what she has already said about medical cannabis.
A Fantastic Cancer Treatment
In comments made on her podcast last year, Carter referred to medical cannabis as a “fantastic way of handling” cancer. She was referring to how cannabis can ease some of the side effects related to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. She was not implying that medical cannabis is a cure for cancer.
We do know that cancer patients across the country do actually use medical cannabis as a means of symptom relief. Some of them are hoping to relieve cancer pain related to both the disease and its treatments. Others rely on cannabis to relieve the nausea they experience following chemotherapy.
It is reasonable to assume that Carter’s views will not change during her time as the national Drug Czar. But unless Washington moves cannabis to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, she will have to keep her support to herself – at least in her official capacity.
Acceptance Continues to Grow
Meanwhile, medical cannabis acceptance continues to grow nationwide. As of the end of March 2025, 43 states and the District of Columbia allow medical cannabis (containing THC) in some form. The remaining seven states still prohibit THC-derived medicines and marijuana. But they do allow medical products containing CBD.
Even some of the most conservative states in the union have given their blessing to medical cannabis. Utah is one of them. At the Beehive Farmacy locations in Salt Lake City and Brigham City, patients can purchase everything from medical cannabis vapes to concentrated oils, tinctures, and gummies. There are 15 medical cannabis pharmacies serving patients throughout the state.
A lot has changed in the medical cannabis space over the last 25 years. Public acceptance has grown considerably, states have given the green light to medical cannabis, and we now have an administration that could possibly be swayed to find a way to get rescheduling done.
Meanwhile, the nation’s next Drug Czar seems to support medical cannabis. That can only be good for patients and the industry as a whole.