96% Of Cannabis Consumers Don't Trust DEA On Rescheduling Efforts: Poll

A new poll by NuggMD reveals a stark divide between frequent cannabis consumers and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to the survey, conducted between January 16 and January 19, 2025, only 4% of respondents trust the DEA to be an “unbiased proponent” for cannabis rescheduling efforts. An overwhelming 96% said they do not.

The survey sampled 677 frequent cannabis users from a list of respondents who opted into NuggMD’s polls. With a margin of error of ±3.77%, the poll reflects widespread skepticism among a demographic directly affected by cannabis policy. The results came shortly after a federal hearing on cannabis rescheduling was delayed for several months, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the issue.

Consumer Trust In The DEA At Historic Lows

NuggMD, a company focused on medical cannabis evaluations and education, conducted the survey using first-party data from its consumer base. A spokesperson for the company emphasized the importance of this data in understanding public sentiment. “Cannabis consumers are the people most directly affected by federal cannabis prohibition, and the DEA has the power to enforce those laws,” said the company's head of communications.

"When an agency you oversee polls at 4% with one of your stakeholder groups, you either have a policy problem, a personnel problem, or both. The current administration needs to choose which problem it has before it can solve it," the statement continued.

This level of distrust highlights a significant challenge for policymakers attempting to navigate cannabis reform. The DEA's reputation as a prohibitionist agency has long been a sticking point for advocates and these survey results suggest the agency may face an uphill battle in regaining credibility with key stakeholders.

The Context: Delayed Rescheduling Hearing

The poll's timing is notable. It was conducted immediately after a federal hearing on rescheduling cannabis—a proposal that would shift the substance from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act—was put on hold. This delay has fueled frustrations within the cannabis community, where many see the DEA as a roadblock to meaningful reform.

Cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I substance, alongside drugs like heroin, under federal law. This classification indicates a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, despite growing evidence and state-level legalization efforts. Rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would significantly ease restrictions, potentially allowing for greater research, federal tax deductions and other benefits.

Broader Implications

The findings of the NuggMD poll reveal deeper tensions in the cannabis debate. For decades, the DEA has been viewed as resistant to reform, a perception that persists even as public opinion has shifted dramatically in favor of legalization.

These results also present an opportunity for the Biden administration, which has shown openness to reform. Addressing the mistrust highlighted by this poll could help the administration make meaningful strides in cannabis policy while rebuilding trust with stakeholders.

For now, the message from cannabis consumers is clear: the DEA has significant work to do in proving it can act as a neutral party in rescheduling discussions. Whether through policy changes, personnel shifts, or increased transparency, any attempt to rebuild trust will require swift and decisive action.

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Cover image made with AI