DEA faces criticism over one-sided federal cannabis rescheduling hearing

The Drug Enforcement Administration scheduled an administrative hearing for June 29 to consider moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) alleges the DEA deliberately excluded all supporters of rescheduling, selecting only participants who oppose the change. NORML argues that patients, consumers, researchers and state‑licensed businesses are also directly affected and should be allowed to testify.

If the schedule change is approved, cannabis businesses could be relieved of the Internal Revenue Code §280E tax burden, allowing ordinary operating expenses to be deducted. Analysts estimate the relief could save hundreds of thousands of dollars per company. The impact would be significant in states like Michigan, which generated $3.17 billion in adult‑use sales in 2025 and supports roughly 40,000 jobs, and in Nevada, where UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute director Riana Durrett warns the outcome will affect businesses, tourism and local residents.

The dispute has turned a routine administrative proceeding into a broader debate over fairness, transparency and the future of federal cannabis policy.