Even as the federal government continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I substance—defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse—multiple U.S. agencies are now quietly contradicting that stance. Most recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) added Cannabis sativa to its plant database with documented “medicinal” uses.
The listing appears in Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, a widely respected USDA resource detailing plant compounds, biological effects, and traditional human uses. Created by renowned botanist James A. Duke, the database describes the active compound THC as showing therapeutic potential in treating pain, seizures, glaucoma, appetite disorders, and more—directly challenging marijuana’s Schedule I status.
Despite this growing recognition across federal agencies, the rescheduling process initiated under President Biden remains frozen. Six months after DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John Mulrooney suspended hearings to consider moving cannabis to Schedule III, no further action has been taken. A joint report submitted this month by DEA and rescheduling proponents admitted the process is still at an impasse.
Adding to the confusion is the inconsistent stance of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which in 2023 concluded that cannabis does have an accepted medical use and should be placed in Schedule III. Likewise, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) acknowledges scientific evidence supporting cannabis for pain relief and other conditions.
Advocates say this disconnect across the federal government is untenable.
“Scientific consensus has long challenged the federal government’s ‘Flat Earth’ position toward cannabis,” said Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML. “It is growing impossible for federal agencies to deny that cannabis is medicine—even if Congress hasn’t caught up.”
Lauren Daly, interim executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, echoed those concerns: “The growing recognition of cannabis’s medical benefits stands in stark contrast to the outdated federal stance. This highlights the urgent need for rescheduling to move forward.”
Kat Murti, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), noted that nearly 5 million Americans are currently recommended cannabis for medical use by about 30,000 doctors across 38 states and D.C. “Marijuana absolutely does not belong in Schedule I,” Murti said. “Keeping it there is a legal farce that contradicts science and reality.”
Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) rescheduling process remains stuck in neutral. ALJ Mulrooney’s suspension of hearings followed allegations that DEA staff colluded with anti-cannabis witnesses—raising serious concerns about procedural fairness. While a motion to disqualify DEA as the lead proponent of rescheduling was denied, the case remains under review pending an interlocutory appeal.
DEA’s current acting administrator, Robert Murphy, was quietly appointed after replacing vocal marijuana opponent Derek Maltz. The Senate is now considering President Trump’s nominee, Terrance Cole, to lead the agency permanently. Cole has previously linked cannabis use to youth suicide risks and has refused to commit to rescheduling during confirmation hearings, though he called the review a “priority.”
While Mulrooney has repeatedly chastised the DEA for procedural errors—ranging from mishandled subpoenas to delayed public comment processing—the judge ultimately granted the agency leeway to correct its mistakes.
The rescheduling effort has also faced legal roadblocks. A federal lawsuit seeking to compel the DEA to release communications with an anti-marijuana group was dismissed earlier this year. DEA also denied a cannabis company’s request to allow testimony from a young medical marijuana patient and is facing pressure from industry groups to clarify the rules for cross-examination during upcoming hearings.
Despite the procedural delays, public and political momentum for reform continues to build.
A recent GOP-commissioned poll found that a majority of Republicans support cannabis rescheduling and prefer state autonomy over federal interference—often at higher rates than the general public. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said embracing reform could help the GOP connect with younger voters, suggesting that Trump’s support for rescheduling is more about political strategy than personal conviction.
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, now confirmed to lead the Justice Department, has avoided stating her position on federal cannabis policy. During her state tenure, she opposed medical marijuana legalization.
Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once outspoken in favor of cannabis and psychedelics reform, has taken a more cautious approach since confirmation, saying he will defer to DEA on rescheduling.
Reform advocates, however, argue that Congress can and should bypass administrative delays altogether. A recent report from congressional researchers noted that lawmakers could advance rescheduling legislation directly—offering a faster, more stable path to reform while avoiding potential court challenges.
Outside of Washington, public figures are stepping in. A new coalition of pro-athletes and entertainers, led by retired boxer Mike Tyson, sent a letter to Trump urging him to outpace President Biden on marijuana reform. The group called on the administration to reschedule cannabis, issue additional pardons, and expand access to banking for cannabis businesses.
Meanwhile, efforts to limit reform continue. Two GOP senators introduced legislation in February that would keep IRS tax restrictions in place for marijuana businesses—even if cannabis is moved to Schedule III.
For now, the DEA rescheduling process remains paused, clouded by controversy, conflicting agency stances, and political uncertainty. But the growing number of federal acknowledgments that marijuana has medical value—whether from USDA databases or HHS findings—makes continued inaction harder to justify.
Cannabis is not just a passing trend—it’s a time-honored botanical with a rich history of healing. For too long, its medicinal potential has been clouded by stigma and legal barriers, leaving many without access to natural relief. Now that medical cannabis is legal in Georgia, residents have a safe, plant-based alternative worth considering. If you believe it could support your health, apply today for your 5-year medical cannabis card.
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