NCIA Among Speakers Approved for DEA’s Landmark Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing in December

LOS ANGELES-The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is preparing for its cannabis rescheduling hearing set for December 2 by selecting speakers to participate. Several organizations, including the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), have received approval to testify, as reported by publication Marijuana Moment.

NCIA’s CEO and co-founder Aaron Smith expressed excitement about the opportunity to represent independent cannabis businesses, emphasizing the importance of including these voices in the decision-making process. “We’re honored to have a seat at the table to advocate for the small businesses that are the backbone of our industry,” Smith told Marijuana Moment.

Other groups, such as anti-cannabis organizations Smart Approaches to Marijuana, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA), have also been approved to speak.

The hearing will take place on December 2 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time at the DEA’s Arlington, Virginia location, and those interested in testifying can register in advance. A final decision on cannabis rescheduling is expected to come in 2025, under a new administration, with continued debate on whether cannabis or hemp will receive more backing. Meanwhile, the DEA’s hearing signifies an ongoing commitment to reassess federal cannabis policy.