Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), President Donald Trump’s first pick for attorney general in his second term, says he has been told that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is actively drafting a rule to complete the long-running process of rescheduling marijuana under federal law.
“It’s been over a month since President Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to expeditiously finalize moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III,” Gaetz wrote in a post on X this week. “I have been told that the DEA is drafting this rule and moving it ASAP.”
If accurate, Gaetz’s claim would mark the clearest signal yet that the administration is moving forward after Trump’s executive order instructed the Justice Department to wrap up the rescheduling process “in the most expeditious manner.” Marijuana is currently listed alongside heroin in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, a classification reserved for substances deemed to have no accepted medical use.
The White House, however, has offered little confirmation. On Tuesday, officials declined to comment on the status of rescheduling, deferring inquiries to the Justice Department. DOJ has not responded to multiple requests for comment, and DEA has previously said the rescheduling appeal process “remains pending,” even after Trump’s directive.
Still, Gaetz’s comments have reignited optimism across the cannabis industry, which has been closely watching for any sign of movement. Many operators and investors view Schedule III as a potential turning point, particularly because it would eliminate the punitive federal tax rule known as 280E.
Skepticism remains, however. Gaetz—who stood out as one of the few Republicans openly supportive of ending marijuana prohibition during his time in Congress—has a history of forecasting imminent reform. Last May, he said “meaningful” marijuana change was “on the horizon” under Trump, praising the president’s leadership on rescheduling.
The administration itself has leaned into the narrative. Last week, the White House touted Trump’s rescheduling executive order as one of “365 wins” from his first year back in office. Item No. 305 on the list claimed Trump “reclassified marijuana to Schedule III,” even though the formal rulemaking process has not been completed.
Democrats remain wary. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said earlier this month that it is “too early to tell” where DOJ will land, warning of mixed signals from the administration. “There’s things that look promising,” he said, “but I really want to wait and see.”
Adding to the uncertainty, two Republican senators recently attempted—unsuccessfully—to block rescheduling through an amendment, and Bondi missed a congressionally mandated deadline to issue new guidelines easing research restrictions on Schedule I substances.
For now, the question remains whether Gaetz’s assurance reflects real momentum—or just another flash of hope in a process that has repeatedly stalled.
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