The acting head of the Department of Justice is refusing to commit to more broadly rescheduling marijuana beyond medical use as he seeks to be confirmed as attorney general—and he indicated he has no problem federally prosecuting people for simple cannabis possession in national parks.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve in the role on a permanent basis, answered senators’ written questions as part of the confirmation process—including queries about cannabis.
Blanche in April issued an order that immediately reclassified state-licensed medical cannabis, as well as marijuana products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to Schedule III. Broader rescheduling of cannabis, including for recreational use, is being considered through a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hearing that wrapped up testimony last week.
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) asked why the department has “forgone the traditional notice-and-comment period and an administrative hearing required by the CSA for rescheduling” before adopting the partial rescheduling of marijuana for medical use.
“The Department of Justice delivered on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” Blanche wrote. “This rescheduling action allows for research on
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