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Federal Government Moves to Reclassify Cannabis, But Controversy Surrounds DEA’s Role
The federal government’s decision to reclassify cannabis and loosen restrictions has sparked a heated debate. According to Kevin Sabet, co-founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) head Anne Milgram did not sign the order to reschedule cannabis under Schedule III, breaking with decades of precedent.
The Associated Press reported on April 30 that the DEA will be rescheduling cannabis, moving the plant from Schedule I to Schedule III, following a lengthy process. This decision came after President Joe Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review cannabis’s classification under Schedule I, a category reserved for dangerous drugs with no medical value.
However, Sabet claims that Milgram did not sign the rescheduling order, citing confidential sources within and outside of the DEA. This has raised questions about the integrity of the decision-making process and the influence of political considerations.
Milgram testified before Congress on Tuesday at a budget hearing, but declined to comment on the Schedule III announcement due to the ongoing rulemaking process. The topic of the hearing was the DEA’s funding request for Fiscal Year 2025.
Sabet, a former drug policy adviser to the White House, expressed his disappointment with the decision and praised Milgram for standing up for science and truth. He also criticized the Biden Administration for a “botched process” and accused them of having a predetermined outcome.
While some commenters pointed out that U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland likely signed the order himself, Sabet emphasized that the statute designates this responsibility to the DEA. This departure from precedent has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the decision.
Assuming there are no major changes to the narrative, the reclassification process will now head to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.
Sabet’s vocal opposition to cannabis reform in the US has made him a controversial figure in the industry. He co-founded SAM with Patrick Kennedy and continues to advise on drug policy. As the debate over cannabis continues, the controversy surrounding the DEA’s role in the reclassification process only adds fuel to the fire.
