House Appropriations Committee Approves Amendment to Halt DOJ’s Cannabis Rescheduling Plan
On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee approved legislation to block the Biden administration’s efforts to reschedule marijuana and ease restrictions under federal law. The Republican-led panel passed an amendment to a funding bill that prevents the Department of Justice (DOJ) from acting on the rescheduling plan. This initiative aims to move cannabis from Schedule I to the less restrictive Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Biden’s Push for Cannabis Rescheduling
In October 2022, President Biden called for a review of the federal prohibition of marijuana. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended rescheduling cannabis based on its medicinal value. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) indicated support for this change, which is now in a 60-day public comment period.
Amendment Blocks DOJ Funding
The approved amendment blocks the DOJ from spending federal funds to reschedule or deschedule cannabis. An attempt by Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro to remove this provision was defeated by a vote of 20-30.
Industry Reaction
David Craig, chief marketing officer of Illicit Gardens, criticized the committee’s decision, calling it a “significant misstep” that hinders research and modernization of cannabis policy.
State-Legal Recreational Weed Amendment Rejected
The committee also rejected an amendment by Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee to prevent DOJ interference in state or tribal marijuana programs. Rep. David Joyce, a Republican, supported this amendment, highlighting the need to empower states and close loopholes that benefit illicit operators. Despite support from some lawmakers, the amendment did not pass.
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