Federal weed reform has been a hot topic over the last several months. The federal government is mulling reclassifying the plant from its current Schedule I status, something that would ease certain restrictions for legal operators. However, the process hit a major roadblock this week after a federal judge canceled a series of hearings on the subject.
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The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was set to continue the long road to rescheduling marijuana by hearing expert testimonies from both sides of the debate. But after several legal challenges left the process in disarray, DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John Mulrooney pulled the plug.
As first reported by Marijuana Moment, several issues led to the hearing’s cancellation. A number of procedural blunders by the DEA and allegations of collusion between the agency and anti-rescheduling parties were central to the decision. Currently, the DEA is considered the “proponent” of rescheduling, but many pro-reform advocates have cried foul, saying the feds are actually opposed to the move.
Mulrooney said the DEA’s refusal to comply with orders was “unprecedented and astonishing.” His directives included providing hard copies of evidence and testimony outlines. The disobedience could lead people to wonder if the DEA is purposely dragging its feet in order to sabotage the proceedings. Mulrooney noted separately that the claims of DEA conspiracy with prohibitionist groups via ex parte communications were a “disturbing and embarrassing revelation.”
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The hearings have been stayed for a minimum of three months. With a new administration heading to Washington, D.C., the potential for rescheduling could be in jeopardy. While President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he’s in favor of cannabis reform, there’s no telling what will happen once he’s actually in office. Furthermore, the newly appointed Speaker of the House, John Thune, is considered a prohibitionist. It’s unclear who his pick to lead the DEA will be.
Despite the majority of Americans supporting the legalization of marijuana, it remains to be seen whether meaningful change is ahead. Instead, those on both sides of the debate will have to wait and see if the government catches up with its citizens.
