Louisiana has stepped back from its formal opposition to the federal government’s plan to reclassify marijuana under U.S. drug laws and will no longer take part in ongoing hearings before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to newly released court records.
The state had been one of four given “interested party” status, allowing it to challenge the federal proposal to move cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Among those four, Louisiana was the only state where patients already have legal access to medical marijuana. Last week, however, officials filed a request to withdraw from the proceedings.
DEA Judge Derek Julius approved the request in a June 25 order. His ruling states that Louisiana has given up its right to participate in the hearings, submit additional filings, or present arguments during the case. The order also clarifies that future references to the coalition of states opposing the proposal will no longer include Louisiana.
The filing offered no explanation for the state’s decision, and a copy of the withdrawal request was not immediately available.
Following Louisiana’s departure, the remaining parties expected to argue against the proposed rescheduling include the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Idaho, Nebraska, and Indiana.
Nebraska has legalized medical cannabis, although patients are not yet able to obtain cannabis through an operational program. Mike Hilgers, the state attorney general, has continued to oppose broader marijuana reform, despite voters in his state approving medical marijuana legalization.
The latest move comes shortly after Louisiana also exited a separate legal challenge involving the same federal policy. That lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, contests the Trump administration’s April decision to place state-authorized medical cannabis under Schedule 3.
The case was originally brought by Louisiana AG Liz Murrill alongside the attorneys general of Nebraska and Indiana. Their complaint argues that the federal action failed to comply with legal requirements, exceeded the agency’s authority, violated proper rulemaking procedures, and represented an arbitrary and unlawful exercise of power.
Court filings from that earlier case also showed no public explanation from Murrill regarding Louisiana’s decision to withdraw.
The federal rescheduling decision has carried practical consequences for medical cannabis businesses. Licensed operators in states with legal medical cannabis programs, including Louisiana, became eligible to seek registration with the DEA following the rule change.
It remains to be seen what companies like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) think about the ongoing rescheduling hearings that some quarters say are skewed towards prohibitionists.
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
