DEA Schedules Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings for Early 2025

LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has outlined a schedule for witness testimony in the ongoing hearing concerning the potential reclassification of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II has scheduled the proceedings to commence on January 21, 2025, at the DEA’s headquarters in Virginia.

The hearing will feature testimony from both proponents and opponents of rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. Proponents, including the National Cannabis Industry Association and Veterans Initiative 22, are slated to present their cases from January 21 through February 6. Following a brief recess, opponents such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the International Association of Chiefs of Police will testify from February 18 to March 6.

Each party will be allocated 90 minutes for testimony, with an additional 20 minutes designated for cross-examination by opposing parties. Hearings are scheduled to occur from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday through Thursday each week.

This hearing is a critical component of the DEA’s evaluation of the proposed rescheduling of cannabis, a process initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III. The outcome could significantly impact federal cannabis regulations, affecting areas such as taxation and research.

The DEA has received over 43,000 public comments on the rescheduling proposal, reflecting widespread interest and diverse perspectives on the issue.

The final decision on cannabis rescheduling is anticipated later in 2025, following the completion of witness testimonies and a thorough review of all presented evidence.