DEA Judge Halts Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Over Federal Process Gaps

A DEA administrative judge has paused proceedings on the Trump administration's marijuana rescheduling proposal after a federal watchdog report identified significant gaps in the government's evaluation process for controlled substances. The report raises concerns about the thoroughness and consistency of how federal agencies assess cannabis and other drugs for potential reclassification. The judge is now requesting input from DEA officials and hearing participants on how to address these procedural deficiencies. This pause may impact the timeline for potential cannabis rescheduling, which could affect medical access for patients with conditions treated using marijuana. The findings underscore ongoing scrutiny of federal cannabis policy and regulatory frameworks.