The United States Senate on Tuesday confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a pivotal role in shaping federal drug policy as the administration advances potential changes to marijuana’s classification.

Sara Carter Bailey was approved in a 52-48 vote, largely along party lines, and is poised to assume leadership of the office often referred to as the nation’s drug czar.

Her confirmation comes as the administration works to implement an executive order directing movement of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, a change that would formally recognise medical use and expand research opportunities.

Bailey, a former journalist with experience covering drug cartels and related issues, has publicly voiced support for medical cannabis and stated she “doesn’t have a problem” with legalisation, even if expressing personal reservations.

She has characterised cannabis reform as a bipartisan issue and affirmed her commitment to rely on research and data in advising the president on policy.

During her confirmation process, senators discussed the rescheduling initiative, with Bailey underscoring her pledge to comply with federal law and fulfil the statutory responsibilities of ONDCP. 

The confirmation marked the culmination of a process that saw her nomination advance through the Senate Judiciary Committee and navigate procedural challenges, including a temporary blockade by a Democratic senator that delayed floor consideration of multiple nominees.

Republican senators, joined by some who have advocated for states’ rights on drug issues, supported Bailey’s confirmation, viewing her leadership as central to advancing the administration’s drug policy priorities, including the rescheduling effort.

President Trump has emphasised that rescheduling marijuana could unlock significant research potential and align federal policy with the medical use of cannabis recognised in the majority of U.S. states.

The move to Schedule III, initiated under a December executive order, reflects this strategic shift and aims to facilitate scientific study, adjust tax and regulatory frameworks, and support evidence-based approaches to drug policy.

Bailey’s position at ONDCP will be instrumental in coordinating interagency engagement and guiding implementation of these initiatives.

With her confirmation secured, Bailey is expected to take the helm at ONDCP as the administration navigates both the rescheduling process and broader initiatives on harm reduction, overdose prevention, and federal drug enforcement strategy, underscoring a key moment in national discourse on cannabis policy and public health.