The conversation continues: Marijuana rescheduling

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting a public hearing to further discuss a proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

The event is scheduled for December 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. EST in Arlington, VA. Participants will discuss a proposed rulemaking from earlier this year that would reclassify marijuana from a schedule I drug to a schedule III drug.

Anyone who’s interested in participating in the hearing must provide written notice via either electronic or paper notification by September 30 by referencing “Docket No. DEA-1362” on any communications.

• For electronic communication, use: nprm@dea.gov
• For paper communication, use: Drug Enforcement Administration, Attn: Administrator, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152
• For phone calls, use: (571) 362-3249

Everyone who submits intentions to participate must meet 21 CFR 1308.44(b) and include their particular reason for participating, as well as an explanation of any objections or issues with the topic.

Background

This rescheduling hearing is in response to the May 21 notice of proposed rulemaking from the Department of Justice. This proposed rulemaking focuses on updating marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule III.

The goal is to say consistent with the Department of Health and Human Services' marijuana definition, which views marijuana as a drug with:

• An accepted medical use,
• A low potential for abuse as compared to other drugs or substances in schedules I and II, and
• A risk of abuse that may lead to “moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.”

If the schedule transfer from I to III is finalized, the applicable schedule III regulatory controls would apply to marijuana. This includes any additional controls that might be required, as well as any applicable criminal prohibitions from the Controlled Substances Act.