As Election Buzz Swirls Around Biden And Harris, DEA Comment Period Ends: What’s Next For Cannabis Rescheduling?
The deadline for public comments on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) rescheduling proposal concluded on Monday July 22.
This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing process of potentially reclassifying certain controlled substances, with significant administrative steps lying ahead.
Public Sentiment And Key Dates
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and DEA proposed reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) on May 21, 2024.
A Benzinga analysis of over 4,000 public comments submitted by May 23 reveals strong support for this move, with 75.9% positive responses. Commenters highlighted the medical advantages and urged alignment with state laws and scientific evidence.
While most support rescheduling, there are calls for complete descheduling. Some argue that rescheduling alone won’t address all legal and research limitations.
Key dates include the end of the public comment period on July 22, 2024, with the final ruling expected around August 20, 2024, and becoming effective 30 days after publication.
Biden Administration’s Role
With President Joe Biden in office until January 20, 2025, the Biden …