DEA Likely to Approve Rescheduling of Cannabis, Congressional Report Reveals

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is likely to approve a recommendation to reclassify cannabis under federal drug laws, according to a report from congressional researchers.

According to Forbes, the report, released by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), follows a recent suggestion from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reschedule cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in which HHS recommended moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, facilitating additional research and easing restrictions.

The HHS recommendation, though not binding, must be approved by the DEA. The CRS noted that historical precedents suggest the DEA may follow the HHS recommendation. Rescheduling marijuana would have significant implications for federal policy, including taxation, immigration, housing, and more.

Furthermore, rescheduling would allow medical cannabis patients certain rights, such as firearm ownership and eligibility for visas. It would also enable businesses to deduct expenses for federal income tax purposes, which is currently prohibited under Section 280 E of the Internal Revenue Code.

The final decision on cannabis scheduling may still involve Congress. Some lawmakers are opposing any changes to the status quo.

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