Marijuana Moment: DEA gives cannabis rescheduling update (Newsletter: October 8, 2025)

[Tokeativity]

AG Pam Bondi pressed on marijuana at hearing; GOP lawmakers: Trump cannabis action would be “game changer”; Transportation sec’s marijuana concerns

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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW

The Drug Enforcement Administration said in a new filing that the marijuana rescheduling appeal process is still on hold and “remains pending” before Administrator Terrance Cole, who previously pledged that advancing the issue would be “one of my first priorities.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Department of Justice will “look at” an Indian tribe’s marijuana cultivation and sales program in response to questions from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who said broader federal cannabis reform could help to “capture revenue.”

Three GOP senators—Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND)—spoke to Marijuana Moment about the impact of President Donald Trump potentially rescheduling cannabis, with two of them saying it would be a “game changer.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he’s aware President Donald Trump is “getting pressure” to reschedule marijuana but argued that cannabis has “taken lives” and is “really addictive.”

• “At a time when culture is pushing and celebrating the use of marijuana, we’re not talking about the risk… I’m not a supporter of legalizing it.”

The Virginia Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market held a hearing on issues related to expanding from medical marijuana to a full-scale recreational cannabis market—with presentations focused on ensuring a fair and competitive industry that doesn’t disproportionately benefit existing multi-state operators while limiting opportunities for newer, smaller businesses.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States announced a partnership with cannabis company Torch Drinks to put its hemp-derived THC beverages in VFW posts around the country as an alcohol alternative—with proceeds supporting veterans services programs.

• “The VFW recognizes the importance of providing veterans with alternatives to alcohol consumption.”

/ FEDERAL

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said it’s “good to know” that Denver decriminalized psilocybin when informed about it by an interviewer.

Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are preparing to force a War Powers Act vote on the Trump administration’s military strikes on suspected drug cartel boats.

/ STATES

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a marijuana tax increase into law.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill to enact restrictions on online cannabis marketplaces.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) touted his signing a marijuana legalization bill in a speech at a Democratic Party fundraising event.

A spokesperson for Massachusetts’s Senate president said senators are reviewing a House-passed bill to reform cannabis regulations.

The Missouri Supreme Court narrowed the scope of marijuana convictions that are eligible for expungement.

Washington State regulators are extending the public comment period on cannabis advertising rules.

Oregon regulators published guidance about licensing for psilocybin services facilitators.

New Jersey marijuana regulators clarified that they do not oversee smoke shops selling intoxicating hemp products.

Delaware regulators posted an updated list of licensed businesses selling legal recreational marijuana.

Georgia regulators will consider issuing medical cannabis dispensary licenses to production businesses on Wednesday.

—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

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/ LOCAL

New York City regulators sent an alert about synthetic-cannabinoid-related emergency department visits.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Spain’s Council of Ministers approved medical cannabis regulations.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study “did not find evidence of a residual effect of cannabis on simulated driving performance during a short period of cannabis abstinence.”

A study “supports the long-term efficacy and safety of [psilocybin-assisted therapy] in reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health in patients with” major depressive disorder.

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center published a report on the state’s cannabis revenue and equity.

/ BUSINESS

Canopy USA, LLC and JP Brand Advisors announced a strategic partnership to expand the distribution of Wana Wellness, LLC’s hemp-based beverages and gummies in the U.S.

New York retailers sold $214.4 million worth of legal marijuana products in August.

/ CULTURE

George Clooney said marijuana is “just not my drug.”

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