A decision on whether to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in the U.S. won’t come until after the November presidential election, a timeline that raises the chances it could be a potent political issue in the closely contested race.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration last week set a hearing date to take comment on the proposed historic change in federal drug policy for Dec. 2.
The hearing date means a final decision could well come in the next administration. While it’s possible it could precede the end of President Joe Biden’s term, issuing it before Inauguration Day “would be pretty expedited,” said cannabis lawyer Brian Vicente.
Correct, it isn’t just an executive order away. It’s his administration, an administration he appointed, that decides it. He nominated the leader of the DEA, Milgram. Apparently Biden didn’t bother picking an administrator who would prioritize re- or de-scheduling cannabis. That is something you can confidently hold Biden accountable for.