Despite the confirmation nearly two weeks ago that the DEA is rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III, both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have remained notably silent on the matter.
The DEA’s decision to reschedule marijuana followed a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which concluded a nearly year-long review initiated by a 2022 executive order from President Biden. Despite Biden prompting this review, both he and Vice President Harris have maintained a notable silence on the matter.
Neither Biden nor Harris have issued any social media posts, press releases, or official statements, despite the significant potential implications of the DEA’s decision legally and politically.
It may be that the administration is waiting until the White House Office of Management and Budget —where the DEA’s formal decision currently sits—gives the green light. Once they do, the DEA will be allowed to post their proposed rule in the Federal Register and begin the required public comment period. Even if this is their plan, the silence is particularly striking given that the DEA’s decision has been confirmed by the Department of Justice.
Although neither Biden nor Harris have made any comments themselves on the DEA’s decision, a campaign official did tell us last week that Harris fully supports the decision to move marijuana to Schedule III. The same official told us today that Harris plans to advocate for marijuana legalization once the move to Schedule III is complete.
