MMJ International Advances D.C. Circuit Challenge to April 22 Marijuana Schedule III Order
Updated
Updated · guardonline.com · Jun 19
MMJ International Advances D.C. Circuit Challenge to April 22 Marijuana Schedule III Order
3 articles · Updated · guardonline.com · Jun 19
Summary
June 18 filings put MMJ International’s challenge to the federal marijuana rescheduling order squarely before the D.C. Circuit, alongside its May 29 petition for review and June 9 joint stay motion.
MMJ argues the April 22 Schedule III order was issued before the hearing process required by the Controlled Substances Act, after the government ended a hearing track that had been underway since 2024.
The companies also contend the order exceeds statutory authority, violates the Administrative Procedure Act, conflicts with treaty obligations and D.C. Circuit precedent, and harms federally compliant cannabinoid-drug developers.
MMJ says DEA’s own 2020 rule drew a line between state-licensed marijuana products and federally regulated medicines, underscoring its claim that rescheduling cannot bypass FDA, DEA registration and manufacturing standards.
The case now shifts attention from a June 29 hearing to appellate review that could determine whether the Schedule III order stands or is vacated.