A Republican-led committee in Congress is set to hold a hearing on what some lawmakers are calling a Chinese “invasion” of the United States through illegal cannabis operations.
The House Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability subcommittee announced that it will hold the hearing on September 18. Details about the specific agenda or the witnesses have not been released.
The issue of foreign-linked cannabis grows has drawn growing attention in Congress. Earlier this year, a report attached to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill instructed federal agencies to probe illegal cannabis cultivation across the U.S. Lawmakers specifically asked investigators to examine potential links to Chinese criminal networks or even ties to the Chinese government.
In 2024, Senator Chuck Grassley stated that illegal marijuana operations with Chinese connections were spreading across the country. He highlighted Oklahoma in particular, pointing out that thousands of state-licensed medical cannabis businesses had been flagged for questionable activity with suspected ties to China.
Similarly, Senator Susan Collins has repeatedly pressed federal officials about marijuana operations in her state that she believed to have connections to China.
The growing attention has also been used by prohibitionist organizations to push their arguments. In July, the Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) group released an advertisement warning that moving forward with marijuana rescheduling could strengthen Chinese cartels.
The cannabis industry itself has faced missteps over the matter. In 2023, a major lobbying organization apologized for sending Senate leaders a letter on a bipartisan marijuana banking measure that made what it later admitted were “inappropriate” claims about Chinese investments, which the group said were included in a misguided push to influence amendments.
The timing of the upcoming House hearing is noteworthy, as it coincides with major developments in federal cannabis policy. Stakeholders and advocates are awaiting President Trump’s decision on whether to move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act, a shift that would mark a significant change in how the government regulates the drug. The reclassification effort began under the Biden administration but has stalled since January 2025.
Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee recently advanced a spending measure designed to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from changing cannabis’ classification. The House Oversight &Government Reform Committee also advanced legislation to roll back a Washington, D.C. law that expanded expungements for cannabis possession cases.
The broader marijuana industry, including the likes of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), will be watching how the debates surrounding marijuana reclassification in Washington progress.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN