Biden
DEA Causes Another Delay In Marijuana Rescheduling
The actions of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have caused another delay in marijuana rescheduling – hurting thousands of mom and pop businesses.
While thousands of mom and pop business’s future hangs in the balance, the DEA causes another delay in marijuana rescheduling. Ever since outgoing President Biden delayed starting the process, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been dragging their feet on any action. And now they have been ordered to delay to do some questionable actions. While the majority of the public believe it should be legalized and consumer usage has increased, even starting the California sober trend. The DEA and a few members of Congress have fought hard and long against science and public opinion.
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In response to a motion filed by cannabis advocates seeking to disqualify the DEA from its role as proponent of the proposed rule to reclassify cannabis, the agency asserted that there was no new evidence presented warranted reconsideration. The advocates, which include notable groups such as Village Farms International and Hemp for Victory, argue that the DEA has stacked the deck against them by selecting participants who oppose the proposed rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III. The DEA’s Chief Administrative Law Judge, John Mulrooney granted a request for leave to file an interlocutory appeal—canceling the scheduled January 21 merit-based hearing and staying the proceedings for at least three months. Mulrooney condemned the agency over its “unprecedented and astonishing” defiance of a key directive related to evidence it is seeking to use in upcoming hearings on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal.
The rescheduling process has been complicated by the DEA’s action, including a lack of clarity regarding participants in the hearing for proposed rule change. These complications have led some observers to express skepticism about the likelihood of successful rescheduling in light of recent political developments and the DEA resistance and administrative hurdles.
Despite these setbacks, there is still momentum behind the push to reschedule marijuana. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has previously concluded that cannabis does not meet the criteria for a Schedule I drug, citing credible scientific support for its medical use. The Food and Drug Administration concurred with the recommendation. This conclusion aligns with growing public sentiment favoring cannabis legalization and reform of its federal status.
As advocates and industry businesses continue to navigate this complex landscape, they remain hopeful ongoing discussions and potential legal challenges will ultimately lead to a more favorable outcome for cannabis rescheduling. The upcoming months will be critical as stakeholders await further developments in this evolving regulatory environment.