DEA Postpones Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing to 2025

LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has postponed its public hearing on the proposed rescheduling of cannabis under federal law. Initially scheduled for December 2, 2024, the hearing is now expected to occur in early 2025.

The delay follows a preliminary order from Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney, who cited insufficient background information on the approved witnesses. Judge Mulrooney has requested additional details and proposed availability for a hearing in January or February 2025.

This postponement extends the timeline for a potential shift in federal cannabis policy. The rescheduling proposal, if approved, could reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act, acknowledging its accepted medical use and lower potential for abuse.

The delay has introduced further uncertainty into the cannabis industry, which has been anticipating regulatory changes that could impact operations, taxation, and investment. Market analysts note that the extended wait may maintain the status quo, leaving businesses to navigate a complex landscape of state regulations alongside federal ambiguity.

Stakeholders are advised to monitor developments closely as the DEA provides updates on the rescheduling process and the rescheduled hearing date.