DEA Judge Cancels Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Amid ‘Disturbing’ Allegations Of Improper Conduct
A federal judge delayed a pivotal hearing on the Biden administration’s proposal to ease restrictions on marijuana, citing serious allegations of misconduct within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
On Monday afternoon, Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney canceled the Jan. 21 hearing, extending the process for at least three months, according to Marijuana Moment, which first reported the story.
The hearing was set to evaluate the Department of Health and Human Services‘ (HHS) recommendation to reclassify marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) from Schedule I, the strictest category, to Schedule III. This change could benefit the cannabis industry by allowing standard business tax deductions and improving access to banking services.
Mulrooney’s decision followed a motion from cannabis policy reform advocates alleging improper communications between DEA officials and groups opposing the proposed rule. The motion …