Historic DEA Rescheduling Hearing Opens in Arlington, Virginia

Key Takeaway

The first DEA administrative hearing on marijuana rescheduling convened in Arlington, Virginia on December 2, 2024, as a largely procedural session focused on establishing the hearing record and admitting evidence. Substantive testimony from pro- and anti-rescheduling witnesses was scheduled to begin January 21, 2025, though that schedule was later disrupted when the presiding administrative law judge retired. The hearing was the most significant federal cannabis policy proceeding in 50 years. For cannabis operators watching federal timelines, the procedural opening reinforced that even with strong executive branch support for rescheduling, the administrative process would extend well into 2025 and create ongoing uncertainty about Section 280E timing.