Best of the Week: January 17–January 23, 2025

Let’s dive into the top stories shaping the conversation this week. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. DEA Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing Postponement Insights: An Interview with Adam Goers

Earlier this month, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hearings on the scheduling of cannabis saw a new development. Originally set for January 21, 2025, the hearing was cancelled by DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II in response to a motion submitted by Village Farms International Inc., Hemp for Victory, and OCO et al. The motivants had filed a motion to disqualify DEA from oversight of the rescheduling process in November, alleging bias on the part of DEA against rescheduling. That motion was denied, but on January 6, 2025, the motivants subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration with new evidence. In his decision regarding the motion for reconsideration, Mulrooney denied the motion for reconsideration and allowed for an interlocutory appeal.

For more insight into this development, Cannabis Science and Technology reached out to Adam Goers, SVP of Corporate Affairs for The Cannabist Company and the co-chair of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR) for his input.

2. Is Cannabis a Solution to the Opioid Crisis?

There is clear reason to believe that cannabis should be an important therapeutic for helping many people decrease their use of opioids, potentially leading to fewer overdose deaths. Yet, there are a few potential hazards that should be emphasized, as well as flaws in the methodologies of some of the research that should be addressed.

In this research overview, Ruth Fisher, PhD, explores how cannabis has shown promise in helping individuals reduce opioid use, potentially decreasing overdose deaths. Though its impact on chronic pain and opioid reduction remains evident, limitations exist and flaws in methodologies in ecological studies complicate conclusions.

3. Request for Information: FDA Inquires Public Commentary on the Usage of Cannabis-Derived Products in Veterinary Practice

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in a recent press release the publication of a request for information (RFI) notice (1,2) seeking public commentary on the usage of cannabis-derived products (CDPs) in veterinary practice. According to the release, “The focus of this RFI is on cannabidiol (CBD) products and other products derived from hemp. The FDA is interested in general trends associated with these products, such as information about usage trends (e.g., product selection, indications, etc.), quality standards, benefits of use, potential drug interactions, adverse events and safety problems, and toxicological concerns.”

4. Non-Violent Drug Offenses Part of Biden’s Clemency

Before leaving the White House, President Biden granted clemency to individuals with nonviolent drug-related offenses. The statement began: “Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.”