Trump Advisor Roger Stone Claims Cannabis Rescheduling Is Delayed by Administration Hold-Up

A prominent advisor to former President Donald Trump has raised concerns about delays in the Biden administration's cannabis rescheduling efforts. Roger Stone, a longtime ally of Trump, told Marijuana Moment that someone in the administration is currently 'holding up' the rescheduling proposal, which President Biden ordered to be completed. Stone emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, 'It’s vitally important to get this done before the next election.' The remarks highlight growing frustration among reform advocates and political insiders as the 2024 presidential race intensifies

The Biden administration has faced mounting pressure to follow through on its pledge to review federal cannabis policy. Last year, President Biden directed federal agencies to evaluate the classification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, a move that could shift cannabis from Schedule I to a less restrictive category. However, according to Stone, the process has stalled despite the president's directive, with no clear timeline for completion. This delay has sparked questions about the internal dynamics and political calculations influencing federal drug policy

Meanwhile, cannabis reform continues to advance at the state level. In Massachusetts, lawmakers have sent Governor Maura Healey a bill that would double the legal marijuana possession limit and introduce significant changes to the Cannabis Control Commission, as well as business licensing and ownership rules. Maryland legislators approved protections for veterinarians recommending medical cannabis for animals, while Louisiana's Senate passed a measure permitting hospital use of medical cannabis for terminal and irreversible conditions. These developments reflect a patchwork of evolving cannabis laws across the country, even as federal reform remains in limbo

The broader drug policy landscape is also shifting, with states like Connecticut and Hawaii moving forward on psychedelics legislation. Connecticut's Senate passed a bill expanding access to its psychedelics pilot program, and Hawaii advanced a measure to create a task force on psilocybin and MDMA therapies. Federal agencies remain focused on enforcement and regulatory issues, as evidenced by the FBI's participation in national drug summits and the Congressional Research Service's reports on firearm restrictions for cannabis users

As the 2024 election approaches, the uncertainty surrounding federal cannabis rescheduling is drawing increased scrutiny from advocates, businesses, and policymakers. "It’s vitally important to get this done before the next election," Stone reiterated, underscoring the political stakes of inaction. From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, these delays could have significant implications for the cannabis industry, which is eager for regulatory clarity and expanded market opportunities. The situation will be closely watched as both state and federal policymakers balance reform momentum against political realities