Darren415/iStock via Getty Images
In response to a question on the Biden administration’s stand on federal cannabis policy, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that it’s now up to the U.S. Department of Justice to decide on marijuana rescheduling.
The much-anticipated regulatory decision is expected to reclassify cannabis in a low-risk category called Schedule III alongside medications such as ketamine under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Currently, cannabis is included under Schedule I, along with dangerous drugs such as heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officially confirmed the ongoing review in February, months after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended rescheduling based on findings from the FDA.
“The scheduling review is now with DOJ, and any input should be certainly directed to them at a time and in a manner they say is appropriate,” Jean-Pierre said, responding to a question on the federal-state cannabis policy disconnect and the Biden administration’s support for cannabis legalization.
“This is a matter, at this point—now that HHS has completed their review—it’s in the Department of Justice,” she added. “They can speak to where we’re marijuana rescheduling is at this point.”
While DEA has not indicated a timeline to complete its review, market participants expect a decision before the November election, industry publication Marijuana Moment wrote, citing past rescheduling actions and the Biden administration’s growing support for the review.