A Republican-led House committee has introduced new legislation that could slam the brakes on the Biden administration’s efforts to reclassify cannabis under federal law. The bill, which funds the Justice Department and related agencies, contains explicit language preventing any movement to reschedule or deschedule cannabis—despite ongoing proceedings to shift it from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act.

The provision, buried deep in the draft Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations bill, directly targets the Department of Justice (DOJ), blocking it from spending federal dollars to advance cannabis rescheduling. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to begin formal deliberation this week.

While the DEA’s administrative rescheduling process remains in limbo, this legislative maneuver adds another roadblock—and may signal that cannabis reform is once again a casualty of partisan gridlock in Congress.

The Power Play

The proposed section reads like a targeted strike: “None of the funds… may be used to reschedule marijuana or to remove marijuana from the schedules.” Similar language was included in last year’s version of the bill, though it ultimately didn’t become law.

Cannabis advocates are watching with renewed urgency, especially since the DOJ had recommended moving cannabis to Schedule III—a change that would drastically ease federal restrictions, lower research barriers, and enable tax relief for licensed businesses under IRS code 280E.

But despite broad public support, the process has stalled for months. A recent joint statement from the DEA and rescheduling petitioners confirmed that the agency’s internal hearings remain paused with no resolution in sight.

State Protections… With a Catch

There’s a silver lining, albeit a narrow one. The bill maintains existing federal protections for state-legal medical marijuana programs—originally enacted in 2014—which prevent the DOJ from prosecuting individuals and businesses compliant with state law. This protection extends across all U.S. states and territories with medical cannabis laws.

However, new language in the bill authorizes the DOJ to enforce heightened penalties for cannabis distribution within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, colleges, playgrounds, and public housing units. Critics argue this introduces a backdoor mechanism for targeting operations in densely populated urban areas—many of which serve communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.

Political Theater or Policy Pivot?

While the bill is clearly partisan, the politics surrounding cannabis have grown increasingly complex. GOP lawmakers—including those aligned with former President Trump—have floated conflicting positions on reform. Trump himself has offered lukewarm support for rescheduling, but insiders suggest this may be more about attracting young voters than a genuine policy shift.

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, now confirmed as U.S. Attorney General, has avoided taking a clear stance. During her Senate hearings, she refused to commit to supporting cannabis reform. As Florida AG, she had previously opposed medical marijuana initiatives.

Meanwhile, retired athletes and celebrities—including Mike Tyson—are ramping up lobbying efforts, urging Trump to embrace full federal reform. In an open letter, the group encouraged broader pardons, access to banking, and a more expansive vision for cannabis policy. They framed the opportunity as a chance to “out-reform” Biden.

The Crossroads of Reform

Despite strong public backing—including among Republican voters—federal cannabis reform continues to face an uphill battle. A GOP-commissioned poll released earlier this year showed that a majority of Republican voters support rescheduling and, even more so, state sovereignty in cannabis legalization.

Yet, Congress remains fractured. While some lawmakers push forward with bipartisan legalization bills, others dig in their heels. Congressional researchers recently noted that lawmakers could pass rescheduling legislation directly—bypassing DEA delays and avoiding potential legal challenges.

But until either chamber acts decisively, the future of federal cannabis reform remains stuck in neutral.

Final Thought

In 2025, cannabis is a multi-billion-dollar industry, a cultural movement, and a human rights issue. Blocking its rescheduling isn’t just a procedural move—it’s a statement. And as lawmakers toy with its future, millions of patients, workers, and entrepreneurs are left in limbo.

Stay tuned to Honeysuckle for real-time updates as the debate unfolds.