US DEA Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Concludes Without Decision

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's administrative law judge hearing on the possible rescheduling of all marijuana to Schedule III wrapped up on July 15, with no ruling issued and no closing‑argument session scheduled. Judge Derek Julius set August 17 as the deadline for optional post‑hearing briefs, after which he will issue a recommendation that the DEA Administrator may act on, subject to further legal challenges.

The hearing follows a narrower reclassification already in force, an April order that moved FDA‑approved marijuana drug products and state‑licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, which remains under litigation. Industry voices noted the broader move could unlock significant capital, with European operators watching closely. Stephen Malloy of PharmaRolly said, "Europe is currently one of the fastest‑growing cannabis markets in the world... a wave of institutional capital entering the sector as a whole lifts the floor under European holdings." He added, "Plus there may be a window for EU GMP companies to import into the USA." Senators Booker, Schumer and Wyden also re‑introduced the Hemp Governance and Opportunity Act during the session.