Trump Administration Faces Delays on Marijuana Rescheduling Order Amid Internal Hold-Up

The Trump administration's push to reschedule marijuana remains stalled more than three months after President Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Despite the executive order calling for swift action, the process appears to be mired in bureaucratic delays, with no clear timeline for completion. GOP strategist Roger Stone publicly questioned the source of the delay, asking on social media, “Who is holding up President Trump’s order to reschedule marijuana?”

Stone, a longtime advisor to Trump, emphasized the urgency of the issue, highlighting its potential impact on younger and libertarian-leaning voters. In comments to Marijuana Moment, Stone stated, “It’s vitally important to get this done before the next election,” suggesting that progress on cannabis reform could be pivotal for the Republican Party’s prospects in maintaining a congressional majority. Meanwhile, both the White House and DOJ maintain that work is underway, but have declined to provide any specific timetable for when a final decision will be made

A DOJ spokesperson reiterated the department’s ongoing efforts, saying, “The department is working to implement the President’s executive order on rescheduling, and that work will continue.” The recent firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously opposed marijuana reform as Florida’s attorney general, has added another layer of uncertainty to the process, though there is no indication that cannabis policy was a factor in her dismissal. Todd Blanche, now acting attorney general, has pledged during his confirmation process to “give the matter careful consideration after conferring with all relevant stakeholders, including [Drug Enforcement Administration] personnel.”

Stone has argued that if Trump succeeds in rescheduling marijuana, it would represent a significant realignment of federal drug policy with public sentiment. “He will be bringing Washington in line with the American people,” Stone wrote in an op-ed last year. He further suggested that Trump could outpace Democrats on cannabis reform, an issue where previous administrations have faced criticism for lack of progress

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, the ongoing delay in federal marijuana rescheduling is a critical development for the cannabis industry. The outcome could reshape the regulatory landscape and influence market opportunities nationwide. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely for signs of movement, as the final decision carries major implications for both policy and business operations