Our goal at Leafie Club is to constantly keep you updated. As a result, we delve deeply into high-profile cannabis stories. Originally scheduled for January 21, the highly anticipated cannabis rescheduling hearings have been delayed. This delay throws a twist into what many believed would be a smooth road ahead. With the Rescheduling Comment Period now in limbo, questions flood our community. How did this happen? What could it mean for cannabis users like us?
Here at Leafie Club, we value transparency, truth and timely updates. Let’s walk through the situation together because understanding today helps us shape tomorrow. Let’s get into everything you need to know about this delay and what it might mean for all of us.
Why Was The Cannabis Rescheduling Comment Period Postponed?
When the news broke, it sent a shockwave through the cannabis community. Leafie Club immediately started asking, Why now? The hearings were supposed to kick off the next big step toward federal cannabis reform. Yet, a sudden appeal changed everything.
Chief DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulroney granted an interlocutory appeal. That means the scheduled hearings are now on hold for at least three months. As frustrating as it sounds, we must understand why this move matters. Here’s what triggered the delay:
- Allegations of bias: Movants argued that DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) officials engaged in improper communication with anti-cannabis groups.
- Concerns about fairness: There were worries that the hearings were tilted to keep cannabis in Schedule I or II.
- New evidence surfaced: Groups like Hemp for Victory revealed undisclosed conflicts and improper internal dealings.
We recognize that fairness must always guide such a critical issue. Without it, the integrity of the Rescheduling Comment Period would be seriously compromised. This delay, while annoying, ensures that public trust remains intact. We believe the process must reflect the real voices — our voices — that have been fighting for cannabis reform for decades.
A Timeline Of How We Reached This Point
Understanding the past gives us powerful insight into what comes next. Additionally, we feel it’s very important to map out the journey of the Rescheduling Comment Period. Here’s a quick timeline for easy reference:
- October 6, 2022: President Biden ordered the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review marijuana’s federal classification.
- August 30, 2023: Based on its analysis of facts and research, the HHS recommended to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that marijuana be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
- May 21, 2024: The DEA published its proposed rule on rescheduling marijuana. It neither agreed nor disagreed with moving cannabis to Schedule III. Unusually, the Attorney General signed the proposed rule instead of the DEA Administrator. Additionally, this publication opened a 60-day period for the public to submit comments.
- July 22, 2024: The DEA public comment period ended with nearly 43,000 comments, over 92% supporting reform. After review, the DEA decided a hearing before an administrative law judge was necessary.
- August 29, 2024: The DEA published its Notice of Hearing in the Federal Register. The hearing was scheduled for December 2, 2024. Furthermore, “Interested Persons” had 30 days to request participation in the hearing.
- September 30, 2024: The deadline to request hearing participation passed. DEA Administrator Milgram selected participants, and Judge John Mulrooney will preside.
- October 31, 2024: DEA Administrator Milgram submitted 25 participants but the ALJ ruled DEA failed to prove they were “interested persons.”
- November 18, 2024: Hemp for Victory and Village Farms International moved to immediately disqualify and remove the DEA from defending the proposed rule.
- November 27, 2024: The ALJ denied Village Farms and Hemp for Victory’s motion to remove the DEA, citing concerns over transparency.
- December 2, 2024: Preliminary hearings began but uncovered serious procedural concerns.
- December 4, 2024: The hearings were scheduled by Chief ALJ Mulrooney and began on January 21, 2025 with sessions lasting until early March.
- January 6, 2025: Village Farms and Hemp for Victory requested reconsideration, citing new evidence of conflicts of interest and improper communications by the DEA.
- January 13, 2025: The ALJ denied Village Farms International and Hemp for Victory’s Request for Reconsideration, citing insufficient evidence of legal error or injustice. However, they requested permission to file an interlocutory appeal if their motion was denied. The ALJ granted this request, canceling the January 21 hearing and staying proceedings until the DEA Administrator resolves the appeal.
A joint status update is due every 90 days. In his ruling, Chief ALJ Mulrooney criticized the DEA for procedural errors and addressed allegations of improper ex parte communications. Although these disclosures were alarming, he pointed out that they did not pose an “irrevocable taint” that would influence the hearing’s conclusion.
Thus every turning point in this timeline shows the conflict between advancement and opposition. As our community at Leafie Club knows, change never comes easily. However, every comment we submitted and every voice raised during the Rescheduling Comment Period keeps pushing the conversation forward.
How Does The Delay Impact Cannabis Patients And The Industry?
As members of the Leafie Club, we care deeply about how policy changes affect real people. Whether for pain relief, mental health or recreational enjoyment, cannabis plays an essential role in many lives. This delay in the Rescheduling Comment Period means:
- Patients remain at risk: Medical users still face stigma and limited access.
- Businesses stay uncertain: Entrepreneurs struggle with banking and tax restrictions.
- Research remains stalled: Scientists find it hard to study cannabis under strict Schedule I rules.
We worry about the daily impact on our community. We think that rescheduling cannabis can change people’s lives and that waiting would just prolong the healing process.
But let’s not give up. This delay emphasizes how urgently change is needed. We must keep advocating, supporting, and educating others about why cannabis deserves a fair classification.
What Could Happen During The Next 90 Days?
We want everyone to stay proactive, not passive. Although hearings are paused, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes.
Over the next 90 days:
- The DEA and movants must submit joint status updates.
- New evidence could emerge to strengthen the case for rescheduling.
- A new presidential administration may influence the DEA’s leadership and priorities.
The Rescheduling Comment Period remains pending. Nonetheless, we think that sustained public pressure can influence the result. Thus, let’s keep raising our voices, exchanging information, and calling for fair hearings.
We have come too far to stop now. Every post you share, every conversation you have, moves us closer to meaningful change.
Will The Trump Administration Influence Cannabis Rescheduling Comment Period?
The shift in leadership raises even more questions for us at Leafie Club. President Trump’s past comments suggest some support for moving cannabis to Schedule III. Yet, actions speak louder than words. Here’s what we know:
- Trump’s appointed DEA Acting Administrator, Derek Maltz, is critical of the rescheduling process.
- Pamela Bondi, Trump’s Attorney General nominee, has avoided firm positions on cannabis.
- Permanent appointments could delay or alter the rescheduling altogether.
During the Rescheduling Comment Period, we need leaders who trust science and the public will. Unfortunately, political games could slow the momentum that so many of us have worked hard to build.
Still, at Leafie Club, we stay optimistic. Advocacy, education and community pressure have shifted cannabis policy before — and they will again.
Why The Cannabis Rescheduling Comment Period Still Matters
Despite all the drama, the Rescheduling Comment Period remains a powerful tool for change. Here’s why it matters to every one of us
- It gives us a voice: Public comments show overwhelming support for reform.
- It shapes policy: Lawmakers consider the opinions submitted during the comment period.
- Influences the future: Rescheduling could open doors for research, medical use and fairness in law enforcement.
Every single person who took time to comment made a difference. A part was performed by every cannabis user who hopes for a more equitable and better future. Moreover, we are aware that significant transformation requires time. But don’t worry. It will happen and we are honored to embark on this journey with you all.
Final Thoughts: Stay Engaged, Stay Hopeful
Some may consider the cannabis hearings’ delay a setback. But at Leafie Club, we see it as a reminder that constant effort is very important on the path to justice. The Rescheduling Comment Period remains a beacon of hope. It shows that public support for cannabis reform is stronger than ever. Together, we can
- Keep educating ourselves and others
- Advocate for fair cannabis policies
- Stay vigilant about political developments
- Push for transparency and integrity in every step
Additionally, we will continue to bring you the latest updates, trusted information and inspiring stories. We believe in the power of hemp and cannabis to transform lives and we believe in you. Let’s stay connected, stay informed and keep growing together.
Our goal at Leafie Club is to constantly keep you updated. As a result, we delve deeply into high-profile cannabis stories. Originally scheduled for January 21, the highly anticipated cannabis rescheduling hearings have been delayed. This delay throws a twist into what many believed would be a smooth road ahead. With the Rescheduling Comment Period now in limbo, questions flood our community. How did this happen? What could it mean for cannabis users like us?
Here at Leafie Club, we value transparency, truth and timely updates. Let’s walk through the situation together because understanding today helps us shape tomorrow. Let’s get into everything you need to know about this delay and what it might mean for all of us.
Why Was The Cannabis Rescheduling Comment Period Postponed?
When the news broke, it sent a shockwave through the cannabis community. Leafie Club immediately started asking, Why now? The hearings were supposed to kick off the next big step toward federal cannabis reform. Yet, a sudden appeal changed everything.
Chief DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulroney granted an interlocutory appeal. That means the scheduled hearings are now on hold for at least three months. As frustrating as it sounds, we must understand why this move matters. Here’s what triggered the delay:
We recognize that fairness must always guide such a critical issue. Without it, the integrity of the Rescheduling Comment Period would be seriously compromised. This delay, while annoying, ensures that public trust remains intact. We believe the process must reflect the real voices — our voices — that have been fighting for cannabis reform for decades.
A Timeline Of How We Reached This Point
Understanding the past gives us powerful insight into what comes next. Additionally, we feel it’s very important to map out the journey of the Rescheduling Comment Period. Here’s a quick timeline for easy reference:
A joint status update is due every 90 days. In his ruling, Chief ALJ Mulrooney criticized the DEA for procedural errors and addressed allegations of improper ex parte communications. Although these disclosures were alarming, he pointed out that they did not pose an “irrevocable taint” that would influence the hearing’s conclusion.
Thus every turning point in this timeline shows the conflict between advancement and opposition. As our community at Leafie Club knows, change never comes easily. However, every comment we submitted and every voice raised during the Rescheduling Comment Period keeps pushing the conversation forward.
How Does The Delay Impact Cannabis Patients And The Industry?
As members of the Leafie Club, we care deeply about how policy changes affect real people. Whether for pain relief, mental health or recreational enjoyment, cannabis plays an essential role in many lives. This delay in the Rescheduling Comment Period means:
We worry about the daily impact on our community. We think that rescheduling cannabis can change people’s lives and that waiting would just prolong the healing process.
But let’s not give up. This delay emphasizes how urgently change is needed. We must keep advocating, supporting, and educating others about why cannabis deserves a fair classification.
What Could Happen During The Next 90 Days?
We want everyone to stay proactive, not passive. Although hearings are paused, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes.
Over the next 90 days:
The Rescheduling Comment Period remains pending. Nonetheless, we think that sustained public pressure can influence the result. Thus, let’s keep raising our voices, exchanging information, and calling for fair hearings.
We have come too far to stop now. Every post you share, every conversation you have, moves us closer to meaningful change.
Will The Trump Administration Influence Cannabis Rescheduling Comment Period?
The shift in leadership raises even more questions for us at Leafie Club. President Trump’s past comments suggest some support for moving cannabis to Schedule III. Yet, actions speak louder than words. Here’s what we know:
During the Rescheduling Comment Period, we need leaders who trust science and the public will. Unfortunately, political games could slow the momentum that so many of us have worked hard to build.
Still, at Leafie Club, we stay optimistic. Advocacy, education and community pressure have shifted cannabis policy before — and they will again.
Why The Cannabis Rescheduling Comment Period Still Matters
Despite all the drama, the Rescheduling Comment Period remains a powerful tool for change. Here’s why it matters to every one of us
Every single person who took time to comment made a difference. A part was performed by every cannabis user who hopes for a more equitable and better future. Moreover, we are aware that significant transformation requires time. But don’t worry. It will happen and we are honored to embark on this journey with you all.
Final Thoughts: Stay Engaged, Stay Hopeful
Some may consider the cannabis hearings’ delay a setback. But at Leafie Club, we see it as a reminder that constant effort is very important on the path to justice. The Rescheduling Comment Period remains a beacon of hope. It shows that public support for cannabis reform is stronger than ever. Together, we can
Additionally, we will continue to bring you the latest updates, trusted information and inspiring stories. We believe in the power of hemp and cannabis to transform lives and we believe in you. Let’s stay connected, stay informed and keep growing together.