Republican lawmakers in the House Appropriations Committee have introduced a provision in the latest federal spending bill that would prevent the Department of Justice from using any funds to reschedule cannabis under federal law. The measure, which is part of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) budget, marks the second consecutive year GOP lawmakers have taken this stance.
The provision is a direct response to the federal rescheduling process initiated by the Biden Administration in 2024—a move that received support from former President Trump during his second campaign. However, under the current administration, the rescheduling process has lost momentum. A much-anticipated DEA hearing for expert testimony was abruptly canceled, and a White House official confirmed earlier this year that there were “no action” plans in place to update cannabis policy.
“SEC. 607. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to reschedule marijuana… or to remove marijuana from the schedules established…” — Excerpt from the spending bill
Despite the restriction on rescheduling, the bill does include continued protections for state-legal medical programs, shielding them from federal interference. However, new language would increase penalties for distribution near sensitive areas such as schools, playgrounds, and public housing.
In a parallel move, Senate Appropriations Committee members have proposed a separate provision that would ban the sale of intoxicating hemp products nationwide, set to take effect one year after the bill’s passage.
As cannabis reform continues to stall at the federal level, state-led initiatives and tribal governments are taking independent steps to develop and regulate their own programs.
