:::::::USA Set to Reschedule Cannabis::::::: HHS Releases Recommendation Documents:::::::

[Sweatloaf]

Kamala Harris Puts Marijuana Legalization On Presidential ‘To-Do List’ Alongside Border Security, Reproductive Rights And More

Legalizing marijuana is one of the top items on Vice President Kamala Harris’s “to-do list” if she wins the presidential election next month, the Democratic nominee says. On Thursday, Harris shared a list of 14 priorities on X, placing cannabis reform alongside other major initiatives such as...

www.marijuanamoment.net

Do you know if that means she supports moving it to Schedule III or is she supposedly saying that she supports descheduling all together?

 

[pipeline]

Harris is supporting adult-use legalization.

 

[Sweatloaf]

Harris is supporting adult-use legalization.

So, de-scheduled completely then, probably like alcohol?

 

[armedoldhippy]

So, de-scheduled completely then, probably like alcohol?

hopefully. that position, while not perfect, is a good step forward. hope the desire for perfect doesn't run pretty damn good off of the road...

 

[pipeline]

Harris isn't being clear on purpose. I guess that allows some flexibility for her to work out policy specifics with lawmakers.

Seems like Trump is also open to legalization using states rights and allowing them to adopt their own policies. He wants to allow the federal process to occur which involves rescheduling and more research to determine federal policy.

 

[pipeline]

Both are likely going to stay within the guidelines of the 1961 single convention on narcotics which would restrict cannabis to medical use only as accepted by the federal government.

Governors of states hold more authority on this issue than the president of the United States and governors have more flexibility within the treaty it appears to be. Legislators can create and vote for bills, but the governors have the most power over the land within each state.

 

[pipeline]

Legalizing Natural Marijuana Is The Pathway To Protect Public Health, Not Pretending Synthetic THC Products Are Hemp (Op-Ed)

“Misleading marketing, which frames synthetic THC as a ‘hemp product,’ tricks buyers into thinking they are purchasing something natural and safe.” By Michael Bronstein, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH) In a recent op-ed by the Reason Foundation titled “Banning Hemp...

www.marijuanamoment.net

Everyone is vaping this hemp derived synthetic THC void of terpenes. You can't even smell it.





“Misleading marketing, which frames synthetic THC as a ‘hemp product,’ tricks buyers into thinking they are purchasing something natural and safe.”
By Michael Bronstein, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH)
In a recent op-ed by the Reason Foundation titled “Banning Hemp Products Isn’t The Way to Protect Public Health,” the author correctly makes the case that bans are often ineffective and can push consumers toward more dangerous, unregulated markets. However, the Reason Foundation overlooks a crucial distinction in this case: that most “hemp products” referred to in the piece are in fact synthetic THC products, and they are sold as substitutes for natural—but federally illegal—marijuana.

The change in federal law has led to an explosion of unregulated intoxicating products in the marketplace that masquerade as “hemp” products.
Synthetically converted THC such as delta-8, HHC, THC-O, THC-P etc. are lab-created and do not exist naturally in large enough quantities for mass production. Yet, these molecules are being commercialized at scale in labs and sold outside the purview of regulation as “hemp.”

The “Hemp Product” Misnomer
Referring to synthetic THC as a “hemp product” misleads consumers.
Unlike natural cannabinoids from marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids are manufactured through chemical processes that convert CBD molecules into a potpourri of chemicals, including several analogs of THC and a host of synthetic byproducts, many of which have never been tested, studied, or consumed until recently.

This distinction matters because calling these products “hemp products” misleads consumers and policymakers into believing they are natural, safe and similar to marijuana products—not something closer to, say, an unregulated designer drug.
Regulation that prioritizes public health and safety over pure profit is indeed the answer, but we should be honest about what delta-8, HHC, THC-O, THC-P and others are: synthetics that should be treated and regulated as such. They shouldn’t be marketed as harmless, healthy or lighter versions of cannabis."

 

[armedoldhippy]

wants to allow the federal process to occur

i'd be all for that, but i'd like to see things moving at a bit quicker pace. the feds have dragged their heels since the dawn of time to delay the inevitable, they should quit and get in sync with reality.

 

[pipeline]

Will the government be able to work quickly enough to reschedule cannabis in time for planting season next spring in 2025? Not for certain thats going to happen. The patients are the ones who will have to suffer the most.

 

[pipeline]

Do you think the DEA will drag this out for several years if possible, you bet. Although there is mounting pressure to complete the resheduling process. It will still require some time for regulations to be determined and put in place. Hope they don't delay for further research.

Kansas Lawmakers Decline To Recommend Legalizing Medical Marijuana In 2025, Instead Saying They Should Wait To See Other States’ And Feds’ Actions

A Kansas legislative panel voted against a recommendation that lawmakers legalize medical cannabis in 2025, instead saying the state should wait to see what comes of marijuana proposals going before voters in Nebraska and Florida next month, as well as tracking what happens with federal...

www.marijuanamoment.net

Kentucky Officials Hold Lottery To Award State’s First Medical Marijuana Business Licenses

“People will be buying product that is grown here, that is processed here, that is tested here, that would otherwise be in other states.” By Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern Kentucky awarded its first 26 medical cannabis licenses through a lottery held Monday at the Kentucky Lottery Corporation in...

www.marijuanamoment.net

 

[pipeline]

DEA Begins Selecting Witnesses For Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing, Inviting Industry Stakeholders And Prohibitionists To Testify

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has started selecting witnesses to participate in a much-anticipated hearing on the Biden administration’s proposal to federally reschedule marijuana that’s scheduled for December, Marijuana Moment has learned. This comes about seven months after the...

www.marijuanamoment.net

Shouldn't doctors be involved in the hearings since they know the facts surrounding cannabis as a medicine and its effects on patients?

Trying to figure out, what is the proper role of the lawmakers after the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) administration holds their hearings and makes a ruling whether or not to re-schedule cannabis to Schedule III drug?

Shouldn't the lawmakers hold a hearing? Conress was elected by the people to form a representative form of government power. Seems like the congress is passing off their duty to hold hearings on the issue. Maybe that is their intent once the re-scheduling process is over, but maybe not, since they want to keep silent on the issue as much as possible to keep from losing voters.

The longer they wait, the more the people will hunger for freedom. Thats a good thing. Let us wait, it will get everyone fired up and looking at the truth for themselves. Will get people thinking about personal freedom.

 

[pipeline]

I know how this is going to go, I have seen these prohibitionist groups before. They are always given plenty of time and encouragement at the podium.

The DEA is HOLDING the hearing, its going to be biased toward prohibitionist groups who are opposed to reform. Do you understand what I'm saying?

They're simply going to call for more research. The process will likely be delayed for a significant amount of time, until congress decides to hold hearings on reform bills. Its not going to happen.

DEA Begins Selecting Witnesses For Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing, Inviting Industry Stakeholders And Prohibitionists To Testify​

Published

on
October 29, 2024


By
Kyle Jaeger

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has started selecting witnesses to participate in a much-anticipated hearing on the Biden administration’s proposal to federally reschedule marijuana that’s scheduled for December, Marijuana Moment has learned.​

This comes about seven months after the Justice Department formally proposed moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) following a scientific review. After a public comment period, which saw tens of thousands of people weigh in on the issue, a hearing was set for December 2 to gather additional expert input.​

With just over a month until that hearing, several witnesses have now been notified about their selection by DEA. They include at least one top cannabis industry organization, a drug testing association and two prohibitionist groups.​

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The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is among those that received a notice from DEA this week that their request to participate in the hearing has been granted.​

A source familiar with the administrative proceedings told Marijuana Moment that anti-cannabis groups Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) have also received notices granting their requests.​

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“This is in response to your request to the Drug Enforcement Administration for a hearing or to participate regarding the notice of proposed rulemaking to transfer marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to schedule III of the CSA,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said, according to an email shared with Marijuana Moment.​

“Upon review, DEA grants your request. The hearing will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557, and 21 CFR 1308.41-1308.45, and 1316.41-1316.68. Further information regarding the hearing and your participation will be provided by the Administrative Law Judge designated to preside over the hearing.”​

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Aaron Smith, executive director of NCIA, told Marijuana Moment on Tuesday that “we look forward to making sure that the independent small businesses that make up the heart of the cannabis industry have a seat at the table at this hearing and we’re proud to be able to participate.”​

“Cannabis obviously doesn’t belong in Scheduled I, given the enormous evidence of medical efficacy and lower potential for abuse, and moving this out of the Controlled Substances Act is the right long-term move,” he said. “But in the short-term, taking up the recommendation to move to Schedule III makes great sense for the country and for the industry—but also needs to come with some guidance to federal agencies to ensure that state-licensed businesses can continue to operate under their state programs without federal interference.”​

Marijuana Moment reached out to DEA for clarification on the complete list of witnesses who were invited, but a representative was not able to immediately comment.​

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It’s not clear how many witnesses DEA selected of the many who submitted requests ahead of the hearing, nor it is apparent whether the agency plans to continue granting requests on a rolling basis in the coming weeks. Representatives of major pro-marijuana organizations such as NORML and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) said they have not yet received a response on their requests to participate as of Tuesday afternoon.​

While some advocates and stakeholders had hoped that DEA would avoid the additional step of holding an administrative hearing and simply move to final rulemaking, the agency has often scheduled hearings for regulatory proposals of major public interest. And rescheduling cannabis for the first time since it was designated as Schedule I over 50 years ago met that standard.​

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That said, the hearing has added some uncertainty about the potential rescheduling timeline. There are some concerns this December hearing means the rulemaking process will not be completed before January, which could mean an administrative changeup after the November election that theoretically could affect the rescheduling process.​

DEA has already made clear that it feels additional information is needed on a number of topics related to the scientific review into marijuana that led to the reclassification recommendation. Some view the scheduling of the hearing as more evidence of DEA skepticism.​

For what it’s worth, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, says part of the reason for the delay in the administration’s marijuana rescheduling effort is federal bureaucracy that “slows things down,” including at DEA.​

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In March, Harris also expressed some frustration with the bureaucratic process of rescheduling marijuana, prior to DOJ’s formal recommendation, calling on DEA to expediently finish the job.​

While the Biden-Harris administration facilitated the review that led to the DOJ rescheduling proposal, former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, has also voiced support for the reform. And in a historic first for the U.S. both he and Harris are aligned in their support for cannabis legalization.​

Read DEA’s letter granting participation in the marijuana rescheduling hearing below: ​

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[pipeline]

Bipartisan Majorities Of Kansans Support Marijuana Legalization, Poll Finds As Lawmakers Delay Consideration Of Medical Cannabis Reform

As Kansas lawmakers delay consideration of medical marijuana legislation, a new poll has found that a strong bipartisan majority of residents favor both medical and adult-use cannabis legalization—and many say they’re more willing to support political candidates who back reform. The Kansas...

www.marijuanamoment.net

See everything will continue to be the same until lawmakers begin to take on their duty to hold hearings on important issues like cannabis reform.

Its a pipedream to think the DEA is going to allow this to go through nevertheless in a quick process.

 

[pipeline]

I have seen these prohibitionist groups such as SAM (Smart Approach to Marijuana) testify at state congressional committee hearings before, its not pretty. There's a lot of misleading propaganda from these groups.

 

[Sweatloaf]

I have seen these prohibitionist groups such as SAM (Smart Approach to Marijuana) testify at state congressional committee hearings before, its not pretty. There's a lot of misleading propaganda from these groups.

Before MN legalized it I watched the actual MN legislature debates. The anti group was so full of anecdotal stories as the basis of their arguments against. The theme was: "My brother, friend, cousin, etc was so addicted to pot that it ruined his life. Because of that, it should be illegal for everyone."

 

[pipeline]

The cannabis controversy

Take a look into the possible path to marijuana legalization in Indiana.

www.ballstatedaily.com

 

[pipeline]

Bipartisan Majorities Of Kansans Support Marijuana Legalization, Poll Finds As Lawmakers Delay Consideration Of Medical Cannabis Reform

As Kansas lawmakers delay consideration of medical marijuana legislation, a new poll has found that a strong bipartisan majority of residents favor both medical and adult-use cannabis legalization—and many say they’re more willing to support political candidates who back reform. The Kansas...

www.marijuanamoment.net

See everything will continue to be the same until lawmakers begin to take on their duty to hold hearings on important issues like cannabis reform.

Its a pipedream to think the DEA is going to allow this to go through nevertheless in a quick process.

DEA Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Delayed Until 2025, Agency Judge Rules

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) hearing on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal is being delayed until 2025, Marijuana Moment has learned. After DEA Administrator Anne Millgram signed off on over two dozen witnesses to participate in the hearing on Monday, Chief...

www.marijuanamoment.net

Politics​

DEA Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Delayed Until 2025, Agency Judge Rules​

Published

on
October 31, 2024


By
Kyle Jaeger

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) hearing on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal is being delayed until 2025, Marijuana Moment has learned.


After DEA Administrator Anne Millgram signed off on over two dozen witnesses to participate in the hearing on Monday, Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John Mulrooney issued a preliminary order on Thursday signaling that the information provided on those set to testify was insufficient and requesting additional details and potential availability for a formal hearing in January or February 2025.


When the Justice Department proposed moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III in March following a scientific review, advocates and stakeholders had hoped the rule would be finalized this year. And DEA did schedule the hearing for December 2—after the presidential election but before the January inauguration that will see an administrative changeup.



Now the latest order from Mulrooney clarifies that won’t be the case.


The reason being is that DEA’s list of hearing participants who were selected and sent to the ALJ’s office provided “no indication in the four corners of the document as to whether the ‘participants’ support or oppose the [notice of proposed rulemaking] or how the ‘participants’ satisfy the ‘interested person’ definition set forth in the regulations,” the judge’s order says.



“Indeed, the [Participant Letter] contains only a list of persons and organizations accompanied by one or more email addresses, without the benefit of notices of appearance, addresses, or even phone numbers,” it says.


The order from the DEA ALJ says that selected participants must provide such details by November 12. DEA is mandated to provide “its counsel(s) of record who will be appearing in these proceedings, as well as any known conflicts of interest that may require disclosure” on the same date.


Here’s the list of witnesses that DEA selected:

• Counsel for the Government
• Village Farms International
• National Cannabis Industry Association
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Cannabis Bioscience International Holdings
  Hemp for Victory
• State of Connecticut
• Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board
• Veterans Initiative 22
• The Doc App. Dba, My Florida Green
• The Commonwealth Project
• Saint Michael’s College
• National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association
• Smart Approaches to Marijuana
• International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis
• Cannabis Industry Victims Educating Litigators
• National Transportation Safety Board
• Attorney General Mike Hilgers for the State of Nebraska
• International Association of Chiefs of Police
• Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents
• American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
• National Sheriff’s Association

An initial hearing will still take place on December 2, but the judge said no testimony or evidence will be taken at the tame.


“Designated Participants who will participate will come prepared with January-February 2025 availability dates regarding their counsel and any witness such [designated participants] will seek to present at the hearing on the merits,” he said. “Dates for the hearing on the merits and other deadlines will be fixed in a prehearing ruling, which will be issued after the preliminary hearing where the parties have been afforded the opportunity to supply logistical and availability input.”



This comes about seven months after the Justice Department formally proposed moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) following a scientific review. After a public comment period, which saw tens of thousands of people weigh in on the issue, a hearing was set for December 2 to gather additional expert input.


Paul Armentano, deputy director for NORML, said that “it’s always been a possibility that this process could drag out longer than many either anticipated or would like.”


“The administrative process is cumbersome and, as we have seen historically, administrative challenges to marijuana’s Schedule I status take years to resolve,” he told Marijuana Moment. “That said, unlike in the past, it is our political opponents who are presented with the burden of arguing against the findings of both HHS and the FDA—which have determined that cannabis does not meet the scientific criteria of either a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance.”



“And it is unlikely that they will be able to do so. As previously determined by HHS, ‘The risks to the public health posed by marijuana are low compared to other drugs of abuse, such as heroin (Schedule I), cocaine (Schedule II), benzodiazepines (Schedule IV) and alcohol (unscheduled). These facts are not in dispute. As a result, I remain optimistic that common sense and evidence will ultimately trump ideology, and that advocates will one day be able to look back upon this process as marking the beginning of the end of federal cannabis prohibition.”


David Culver, David Culver, head of policy for the U.S. Cannabis Council, said the while the group is “disappointed to see a potential delay” it remains “confident in the process.”



“The debate around this is over with both leading presidential candidates embracing rescheduling—the policy and the politics are aligned; it’s now only a matter of time,” he said.


DEA has already made clear that it feels additional information is needed on a number of topics related to the scientific review into marijuana that led to the reclassification recommendation. Some view the scheduling of the hearing as more evidence of DEA skepticism.


For what it’s worth, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, says part of the reason for the delay in the administration’s marijuana rescheduling effort is federal bureaucracy that “slows things down,” including at DEA.



In March, Harris also expressed some frustration with the bureaucratic process of rescheduling marijuana, prior to DOJ’s formal recommendation, calling on DEA to expediently finish the job.


While the Biden-Harris administration facilitated the review that led to the DOJ rescheduling proposal, former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, has also voiced support for the reform. And in a historic first for the U.S. both he and Harris are aligned in their support for cannabis legalization.


Read the DEA materials on the forthcoming marijuana rescheduling hearing below:



Marijuana-Rescheduling-Order-DEA-ALJ by KyleJaeger on Scribd

 

[armedoldhippy]

Shouldn't doctors be involved in the hearings since they know the facts surrounding cannabis as a medicine

many do not. mine has been (seemingly) functionally illiterate about cannabis, but seems willing to listen when i bring up a point. most blow you off. oddly, i've had better conversations with older DRs, maybe experience overwhelms prejudice...eventually ?

Cannabis Industry Victims Educating Litigators
National Transportation Safety Board
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

cannabis industry victims ? WTF ???
safety boards ALWAYS err on the side of "safety". they don't want anyone to do be able to do anything at all.
"anti-drug coalitiion" viewpoint carved in stone, never to waver.
TBI... ? the last few years, at least locally, they have not put much (if any) emphasis on weed. they have their hands full with meth, fentanyl etc. they'll send a talking head to deliver a scripted response, not any street officers. i was hoping to see LEAP listed...