The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) abstained from commenting on the agency’s recent marijuana rescheduling determination during a congressional hearing, citing the ongoing rulemaking process as grounds for refraining from discussion.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram addressed lawmakers at a hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, where she declined to provide insights into the matter.
Milgram emphasized that due to her role in determining drug scheduling and the evolving nature of the process, it would be inappropriate to address questions related to the rescheduling issue at that juncture.
Following the Justice Department’s confirmation that the DEA is seeking to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Milgram faced inquiries from committee members. Despite attempts to elicit commentary on the subject, Milgram reiterated her stance, stressing the ongoing nature of the formal rulemaking process.
While Milgram acknowledged inquiries from lawmakers, she underscored that DEA’s involvement in the scheduling process precludes her from offering substantive remarks until the process is concluded. Despite persistent questioning from representatives, Milgram remained steadfast in her position, emphasizing the need to adhere to the regulatory procedure.
In light of the rescheduling proposal, Milgram’s testimony drew attention to the intersection between federal enforcement priorities and state marijuana laws. However, she refrained from providing detailed insights into the potential impact of the rescheduling decision, maintaining focus on the procedural aspects of the regulatory process.
As the DEA continues to navigate the complex landscape of drug scheduling, Milgram’s testimony underscores the cautious approach taken by the agency amid evolving legal and policy considerations surrounding marijuana regulation.
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