DEA Loses! Cannabis Transparency Wins!

In a recent press release, Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR) announced the dismissal of their legal challenge against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding the federal cannabis rescheduling hearings. While the rescheduling process remains on hold, the lawsuit—D4DPR v. DEA—revealed previously undisclosed communications between the DEA and individuals applying to participate in the hearings.

According to the case documents, the government released internal DEA communications that had not been publicly available before. These showed that the DEA had privately engaged with select applicants prior to making formal decisions about participation in the hearings. This revelation raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness in the agency’s procedures.

“This disclosure was a major win for transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Bryon Adinoff, President of D4DPR. “The cannabis advocacy community has long questioned the DEA’s objectivity, and these documents confirm those concerns. Our goal was to expose the agency’s improper conduct—and we succeeded.”

Rather than continuing with the legal battle, which might have caused further delays in the rescheduling process, D4DPR made the strategic decision to dismiss the case. On April 9, 2025, the organization filed a motion to “dismiss its petition without prejudice,” which was approved by the court two days later. This means that while the current case is closed, D4DPR retains the right to refile it in the future if the DEA ultimately chooses not to reschedule cannabis.

Dr. Adinoff emphasized that D4DPR remains committed to advocating for a more evidence-based and transparent approach to drug policy. “This legal effort exposed fundamental flaws in the DEA’s process and reinforced the need for a more transparent, science-driven approach to drug scheduling,” he said.

The case marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over federal cannabis reform. While D4DPR's decision to withdraw the lawsuit may be seen as a tactical retreat, the information brought to light has strengthened calls for reform and cast renewed scrutiny on the DEA’s practices. Advocates hope that the exposure of these internal communications will pave the way for a more open and accountable rescheduling process—and ultimately, a shift toward more rational drug policy in the United States.

by Cannabis Science Tech