Full Breakdown
DEA Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing
6/30/2026, 3:11:49 AM
Core Event
DEA hearing June 29-July 15 in Arlington to consider moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, per the May 21 proposal.
Background
April: Acting AG Todd Blanche re-classified state-licensed medical cannabis to Schedule III. The current proposal extends that status to recreational use, citing medical acceptance and lower abuse risk.
Key Figures
Judge Derek C. Julius presides. The DEA named FDA’s Dr. Dominic Chiapperino and pain-doctor Dr. Corey Burchman as expert witnesses. Seven anti-rescheduling parties have standing. The hearing runs June 29-July 15.
Timeline
May 21 2026 – proposal released; June 24 – DEA names two witnesses; June 29 – hearing opens; July 15 – closing statement.
Official Statements
DEA’s filing says Chiapperino will argue marijuana’s abuse potential is lower than Schedule I/II drugs and that it has a “CAMU for at least one therapeutic condition.” Burchman will attest to shifting patients from opioids to cannabis. Judge Julius noted the hearing will not revisit the already-reclassified medical program.
Criticism
Reform groups say the process excludes proponents. NORML’s Joseph A. Bondy calls Schedule III “an interim correction.” Spherex’s Ryan Hunter calls the participant list “unbalanced.” Smart Approaches’ Kevin Sabet warns rescheduling would give tax breaks to “the new Big Tobacco.” Kat Murti says changing a schedule “does not free a single person from prison.”
On-the-Ground
Protesters from SSDP, NORML and others gathered outside DEA headquarters, urging congressional action and livestreaming. Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) sent letters demanding public viewing.
Conflicts & Gaps
Sources note the hearing is not livestreamed, unlike earlier Biden-era sessions, and the DEA’s scope excludes discussion of the already-reclassified medical program, leaving a gap in assessing broader market impacts. No independent scientific studies are cited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Though this is the standard for DEA hearings, it does not feel balanced, and leaves us concerned that important perspectives and data will not be well represented in the process.” — Ryan Hunter, Chief Revenue Officer, Spherex
- “We would be giving a tax break to companies that have become the new Big Tobacco,” — Kevin Sabet, President & CEO, Smart Approaches to Marijuana
- “… Changing a number in the Controlled Substances Act does not free a single person from prison. It does not erase criminal records. It does not stop arrests … And it does not end federal prohibition.” — Kat Murti, Executive Director, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
What’s Next
Judge Julius should rule by July 15; congressional committees may review, and advocates will keep lobbying for descheduling and livestreaming.