Cannabis Groups Renew Call for Removing DEA from Rescheduling Process

Cannabis advocacy group Hemp for Victory and Village Farms International, Inc. has again requested the removal of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from the federal cannabis rescheduling hearing coming later this month. The request, which was first filed and subsequently dismissed last year, claims the agency’s opposition to the proposed rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III jeopardizes its role overseeing the hearing.

The new complaint asks the judge overseeing the hearing to reconsider the groups’ initial motion in light of new evidence which, according to the request, reveals “undisclosed conflicts of interest and extensive improper ex parte communications by the DEA.”

The groups’ attorney, Shane Pennington of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, said the evidence “strongly suggests the DEA is using its authority in these proceedings to subvert the process and thwart the Schedule III proposal which it vehemently opposes.”

Village Farms’ CEO and founder Michael DeGiglio said in a statement that the groups’ initial complaint had “reflected a desire for a more transparent process consistent with the rule of law and precedent proceedings.”

“However, since then our view has only strengthened that these proceedings are a sham orchestrated by the DEA to stonewall cannabis from being transferred to a Schedule III designation. This would be a disgraceful outcome that will continue to harm the health and safety of Americans and benefit Big Pharma and harmful addictive drugs like opioids. On behalf of our entire industry, we intend to do everything we can to support the rescheduling of cannabis and to prevent a failed outcome from occurring.” – DeGiglio, in a press release

Witness testimony in the hearing is set to begin on January 21 and continue every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until March 3.