[minerva23]

I try to look at this pardon as a quick, easy, and obvious way he can use his limited power to improve people's lives.

Getting the DEA to reschedule it would involve more time and more influence than direct power.

That said, I think he should do both, AND that issuing this pardon may double as a good way of influencing the DEA.

[mcfedr]

Does he control the federal agency? He would appoint the leadership

[minerva23]

I don't know about the power of appointment there and it's limitations. Regardless, that's still an influence move. It's either trying to influence the existing people in power via threat of unemployment, or influencing potential replacements with a promise of employment.