The federal landscape for marijuana rescheduling is currently a high-stakes game of tug-of-war. While President Donald Trump issued an executive order in December 2025 directing the US DOJ DEA to fast-track the move of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, some in the GOP are calling for the “brakes” to be slammed—hard.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), a persistent critic of cannabis reform, recently told Marijuana Moment that the Justice Department should “take about 20 years” to finalize the marijuana reschedule process. His comments highlight a deep divide in the capital over federal marijuana news, even as the weed process seems to have more momentum than ever.
Political Gridlock vs. Executive Action
Despite Trump’s push, Harris argues that the president lacks the unilateral authority to move the needle without a “heavy lift” from Congress. Meanwhile, other DC cannabis news suggests a “split-screen” reality:
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The DOJ’s Silence: The US DOJ DEA has been notably quiet since the executive order, leading to rumors of internal “grinding wheels.”
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Pam Bondi’s Missed Deadline: Attorney General Pam Bondi recently missed a legally mandated deadline (January 16, 2026) to issue guidelines that would ease barriers to research on white marijuana and other Schedule I substances.
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The Booker Perspective: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) has expressed skepticism, noting that while the order looks “promising” for ending “generations of injustice,” he is waiting to see if the administration is “speaking out of both sides of their mouth.”
Did You Know? Discussion about Cory Booker’s net worth or his filibuster Cory Booker live updates often trends during these legislative battles, but his primary focus remains the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.
What This Means for You: The “Hemp Loophole” vs. Schedule III
While the marijuana rescheduling debate continues, the hemp industry is facing its own crisis. Legislation signed late last year is set to “close the hemp loophole” by November 2026, which could effectively ban most delta-8 and full-spectrum products.
For the average consumer on r/weed, this creates a confusing environment. Questions like “is Trump going to legalize weed?” are met with mixed signals. Rescheduling to Schedule III would:
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Acknowledge the medical value of mairjuanna.
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Provide massive tax relief for state-licensed businesses.
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Expand research into cannabinoid interactions.
However, it is not full federal legalization. It leaves marijuana in a regulated gray area that still requires a prescription under federal law.
Stay Informed with Jolly Green Life
Whether you’re wondering should you grind all weed at once or trying to decode every CRS report on the federal marijuana news, the situation is evolving daily. At Jolly Green Life, we cut through the noise to bring you the truth about marajauana legislation and the marijuana reschedule timeline.
Don’t get left in the weeds. Check out Jolly Green Life for the latest updates on federal cannabis laws and our curated guide to staying compliant!
FAQs
1. Is marijuana rescheduling the same as legalization?
No. Moving marijuana to Schedule III acknowledges medical use but keeps it federally illegal for recreational sale. It primarily helps with research and tax deductions (280E) for businesses.
2. What did Rep. Andy Harris mean by a “20-year” wait?
He was speaking figuratively to express his desire for the US DOJ DEA to slow the weed process down as much as possible, as he remains a staunch opponent of reform.
3. Will the DOJ actually miss the rescheduling deadline?
Technically, there isn’t a single “deadline” for the final rule, but the DOJ is under pressure from an executive order to move “expeditiously.”
4. What is the status of Pam Bondi’s research guidelines?
The Attorney General missed a January 2026 deadline to simplify the registration process for researchers studying marujuana, a move critics say stalls medical innovation.
5. How does this affect state-legal weed?
Rescheduling won’t immediately change state laws, but it signals a shift in federal priority that could eventually lead to more open interstate commerce.
James Carter has a background in science communication and a knack for breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand stories. He loves diving deep into the facts behind CBD’s rise—from policy updates and market trends to new research. James is passionate about sharing the latest news and helping others understand what it all means. He writes clear and honest articles to keep readers updated on CBD laws, health benefits, and new products. When he’s not writing, he enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring natural ways to stay healthy.