DEA gives cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: October 8, 2025)

*AG Pam Bondi pressed on marijuana at hearing; GOP lawmakers: Trump
cannabis action would be “game changer”; Transportation sec’s marijuana
concerns*

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*/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW*

The Drug Enforcement Administration said in a new filing that the marijuana
rescheduling appeal process is still on hold and “remains pending” before
Administrator Terrance Cole, who previously pledged that advancing the
issue would be “one of my first priorities.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Department of Justice will “look at” an
Indian tribe’s marijuana cultivation and sales program in response to
questions from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who said broader federal cannabis
reform could help to “capture revenue.”

Three GOP senators—Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and
Kevin Cramer (R-ND)—spoke to Marijuana Moment about the impact of President
Donald Trump potentially rescheduling cannabis, with two of them saying it
would be a “game changer.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he’s aware President Donald Trump
is “getting pressure” to reschedule marijuana but argued that cannabis has
“taken lives” and is “really addictive.”

- “At a time when culture is pushing and celebrating the use of
marijuana, we’re not talking about the risk… I’m not a supporter of
legalizing it.”

The Virginia Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth
into a Cannabis Retail Market held a hearing on issues related to expanding
from medical marijuana to a full-scale recreational cannabis market—with
presentations focused on ensuring a fair and competitive industry that
doesn’t disproportionately benefit existing multi-state operators while
limiting opportunities for newer, smaller businesses.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States announced a partnership
with cannabis company Torch Drinks to put its hemp-derived THC beverages in
VFW posts around the country as an alcohol alternative—with proceeds
supporting veterans services programs.

- “The VFW recognizes the importance of providing veterans with
alternatives to alcohol consumption.”

*/ FEDERAL*

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said it’s “good to know”
that Denver decriminalized psilocybin when informed about it by an
interviewer.

Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are preparing to force a War
Powers Act vote on the Trump administration’s military strikes on suspected
drug cartel boats.

*/ STATES*

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a marijuana tax increase into law.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill to enact restrictions on
online cannabis marketplaces.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) touted his signing a marijuana legalization
bill in a speech at a Democratic Party fundraising event.

A spokesperson for Massachusetts’s Senate president said senators are
reviewing a House-passed bill to reform cannabis regulations.

The Missouri Supreme Court narrowed the scope of marijuana convictions that
are eligible for expungement.

Washington State regulators are extending the public comment period on
cannabis advertising rules.

Oregon regulators published guidance about licensing for psilocybin
services facilitators.

New Jersey marijuana regulators clarified that they do not oversee smoke
shops selling intoxicating hemp products.

Delaware regulators posted an updated list of licensed businesses selling
legal recreational marijuana.

Georgia regulators will consider issuing medical cannabis dispensary
licenses to production businesses on Wednesday.


*— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug
policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon
supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps,
charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.*


*Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on
Patreon to get access. —*

*/ LOCAL*

New York City regulators sent an alert about synthetic-cannabinoid-related
emergency department visits.

*/ INTERNATIONAL*

Spain’s Council of Ministers approved medical cannabis regulations.

*/ SCIENCE & HEALTH*

A study “did not find evidence of a residual effect of cannabis on
simulated driving performance during a short period of cannabis abstinence.”

A study “supports the long-term efficacy and safety of [psilocybin-assisted
therapy] in reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health in
patients with” major depressive disorder.

*/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS*

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center published a report on the
state’s cannabis revenue and equity.

*/ BUSINESS*

Canopy USA, LLC and JP Brand Advisors announced a strategic partnership to
expand the distribution of Wana Wellness, LLC’s hemp-based beverages and
gummies in the U.S.

New York retailers sold $214.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in
August.

*/ CULTURE*

George Clooney said marijuana is “just not my drug.”

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The post DEA gives cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: October 8,
2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.