United States — First Step in DEA Hearing on Cannabis Reclassification

The first step in the historic efforts to reclassify cannabis in the United States officially took place yesterday, setting the stage for what promises to be a lively and passionate process.

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A DEA Procedural Beginning with Rising Tensions in the United States

Although this initial session, held at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters in Springfield, United States, was primarily focused on scheduling future hearings, tensions began to rise as disagreements emerged.

Matt Zorn, an attorney advocating for reclassification and representing the Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman, highlighted key points of contention that have already heated up the debate over reclassifying cannabis in the United States.

Rejected Motion to Remove DEA from Rulemaking

Last week, Business of Cannabis reported on a 57-page motion seeking to remove the DEA from the rulemaking process. The motion, citing concerns about bias, called for the United States Department of Justice to take over instead. However, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John Mulrooney rejected the motion.

Zorn raised these concerns during the hearing, criticizing the DEA’s role as a “proponent” of change in the United States while its actual stance on the proposals remains unclear. He also accused the DEA of withholding evidence ahead of the hearing, prompting a jovial Judge Mulrooney to order the agency to submit its materials by December 13, with a broader evidence submission deadline set for January 3.

Allegations of Improper Communication with Anti-Cannabis Group

The judge also addressed claims in the rejected motion that the DEA had engaged in illegal discussions with the anti-cannabis group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), which is scheduled to testify next year. He explained that proving such allegations would be nearly impossible.

Attorneys requested the opportunity to cross-examine the United States government, but were categorically denied. Cross-examinations are only permitted between participants under the established procedures.

Focus on Addiction and Harm, Not Morality

Judge Mulrooney emphasized his neutrality, clarifying that the hearing is not intended to decide whether cannabis is “good or bad” but to evaluate its potential for addiction and harm in the United States.

The judge acknowledged the significance of public input, noting that 42,000 comments from United States citizens had been submitted. However, he stated it would be impractical to review each one individually and requested summaries instead.

Timeline and Next Steps

Judge Mulrooney expressed his ambition to move the process of reclassifying cannabis in the United States forward efficiently. The following dates have been scheduled:

• Merit-Based Hearings with Witness Testimonies: Mid-January 2025
• DEA’s Evidence Submission Deadline: December 13
• Participants’ Evidence Submission Deadline: January 3
• Witness Availability Confirmation Deadline: End of the Year

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(Featured image by Zachary Caraway via Pexels)

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