DEA Hearing on Proposed Marijuana Rescheduling Begins June 29
WASHINGTON – Formal hearing proceedings regarding the proposed rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) will begin on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. ET in the North Courtroom at DEA Headquarters located at 700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Va.
The hearing will be open to the public and members of the media in a limited capacity. Given national public interest and our commitment to transparency, a finalized and corrected transcript will be published on DEA.gov following the conclusion of the proceedings.
Anyone planning to attend the hearing should arrive early to allow for security processing through the DEA Visitors Center. All those entering through the DEA Visitor Center must present a compliant REAL ID at the time of screening each day.
WHAT: Formal hearing on the proposed rescheduling of Marijuana
WHO: Open to the public and designated credentialed members of the media in a limited capacity
WHEN: June 29 through July 15, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: DEA Headquarters
700 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, Va., 22202
North Courtroom
News media wishing to attend the hearing must RSVP to DEAPress@dea.gov by 10 a.m. on June 26, 2026. Due to limited capacity, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and must include the following information:
- Name
- Media outlet
- Press credentials
- Date(s) of attendance
Media credentials are required and must be visible while inside DEA Headquarters.
Video and audio recordings are not permitted at any time inside the courtroom or the adjoining lobby area. Cell phone use is prohibited in the courtroom during the hearing.
Additional information pertaining to visiting DEA Headquarters is available on the DEA Museum website.
Background:
On May 21, 2024, the Department of Justice proposed to transfer marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule III of the CSA, consistent with the view of the Department of Health and Human Services that marijuana has a currently accepted medical use as well as HHS's views about marijuana's abuse potential and level of physical or psychological dependence. Following a series of orders, briefs, and a pre-hearing conference, a request for an interlocutory appeal was granted, which stayed the matter pending review by the DEA Administrator. On April 22, 2026, Acting Attorney General (AG) Blanche issued a withdrawal of notice hearing, which terminated Hearing No. 24-44. Simultaneously, Acting AG Blanche issued a new notice of hearing, directing DEA to begin new hearing proceedings relating to the NPRM. These hearings will commence on June 29, 2026 and conclude no later than July 15, 2026.
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