The path toward federal marijuana reform has hit some bumps in recent months. In January, a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) judge ordered a delay of rescheduling proceedings. Days later, a new administration entered the White House, leaving some to question if the entire process would be canceled. In the latest shakeup, a key witness for the reform camp has announced their exit.
RELATED: Federal weed legalization could come down to one thing
The Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman had been selected as one of roughly 25 witnesses asked to submit evidence and testimonials during hearings meant to determine if the DEA would reschedule cannabis. Despite these hearings being delayed by DEA administrative law judge John Mulrooney, they had yet to be canceled outright—and now, the pro-reform side has lost a key figure.
Erin Kirk, who serves as the Connecticut Cannabis Ombudsman, told Marijuana Moment her office was withdrawing from the proceedings due to ongoing drama off the courtroom floor.
“The behind-the-scenes shenanigans between the DEA and only certain parties caused us to lose faith in the process, and with our limited resources, it was no longer in the best interest of Connecticut patients to continue,” Kirk said.
The “shenanigans” Kirk referred to likely include alleged ex parte communications between the DEA and anti-cannabis reform groups, something Mudge Mulrooney called a “disturbing and embarrassing revelation.” Additionally, DEA lawyers have been accused of dragging their feet in the process, failing to abide by Mulrooney’s directives.
RELATED: Weed is super cheap right now in this state
The decision by the Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman is another blow to the rescheduling process. The witness list for the DEA proceedings saw anti-reform candidates outnumber those on the pro side.
There’s also the fact that Derek Maltz, the acting head of the DEA, has been critical of cannabis reform. He previously called marijuana a “gateway drug” and claimed it causes mental health issues.
Despite the potential setbacks, the battle for reform is far from over. Advocates on both sides of the debate will have to wait and see if the proceedings eventually take place—and what the DEA’s final decision on cannabis will ultimately be.
