“Today’s order marks a historical reversal in federal cannabis policy. It validates the experiences of tens of millions of Americans, as well as those of tens of thousands of physicians, who have long recognized that cannabis possesses legitimate medical utility, as well as the legitimacy of the longstanding medical cannabis access programs available in the majority of US states.”
“Considerable time and resources still remain prioritized toward enforcing the failed policy of federal marijuana prohibition and prosecuting those who violate outdated and ineffective federal cannabis laws.”
Throughout his tenure at the DEA and in law enforcement, Cole held a hardline approach against the use of marijuana — including claiming that its use “stunts brain growth” and is linked to an increased risk of autism.
“Although Congress has failed to amend federal cannabis laws to explicitly recognize state-legal cannabis markets, the attitudes and priorities of federal law enforcement agents and prosecutors have clearly shifted in a manner that reflects their reality. Now it’s time for Congress to do so by repealing the failed policy of federal marijuana prohibition.”
“At a time when most Americans are demanding long overdue changes in federal cannabis policy, Acting DEA Administrator Derek Maltz epitomizes the failed policies and approaches of the past.”
The judges’s decision cancels the previously scheduled hearing, set to begin next week, during which time proponents and opponents of marijuana rescheduling were to testify and face cross-examination.
“At a time when voters and their elected officials nationwide are re-evaluating state and federal marijuana policies, it is inconceivable that government agencies are unwilling to provide data on the estimated costs and scope of federal marijuana prohibition in America.”
DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney has ordered witness testimony to begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.