In a new federal lawsuit filed against the leaders of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug is being heavily scrutinized. The lawsuit, brought forth by advocates and industry stakeholders, aims to challenge the outdated classification that has hindered research and access to medical cannabis.
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2024 – PRESS RELEASE – Megan Sheehan and Associates, lawyers representing MMJ BioPharma Cultivation preparing for a legal battle against the DEA's cannabis classification. The lawsuit highlights the growing frustration within the industry over the DEA's reluctance to reconsider the status of cannabis.
But the cannabis industry was all smiles Thursday night after Biden offered a brief mention of the DEA's ongoing review of the president's drug scheduling. This glimmer of hope has sparked excitement among advocates who have long pushed for a reevaluation of cannabis as a controlled substance.
The DEA has for decades held that marijuana is among the most dangerous, highly addictive drugs. The science has changed, but the DEA's stance has remained stagnant. This has led to a disconnect between federal policy and the growing body of evidence supporting the medical benefits of cannabis.
Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug — as dangerous as heroin — which Harris called 'absurd' and 'unfair.' During his campaign, Biden promised to address the issue, but progress has been slow. The lawsuit against the DEA aims to expedite this process and bring about much-needed change.
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) official says the agency wants to “correct misperceptions” that its drug scheduling review process is flawed. The DEA's response to the lawsuit will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and advocates who are eager to see a shift in federal policy.
Three Republican senators are urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reject the top federal health agency's marijuana recommendations. This political pressure adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate surrounding cannabis scheduling and highlights the divisive nature of the issue.
DEA Officials Reportedly At Odds With Biden Admin Over Marijuana Rescheduling Push. Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are facing pushback from the Biden administration over the agency's reluctance to reevaluate the classification of cannabis. This internal struggle underscores the challenges of navigating federal drug policy.
A White House official told Marijuana Moment ahead of Friday's meeting that Harris would “highlight various actions that the Biden-Harris administration is taking to address the cannabis issue.” This statement signals a potential shift in federal policy and has reignited hope within the cannabis industry for meaningful change.
