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President Trump’s nominee to permanently lead the Department of Justice, Todd Blanche, isn’t revealing where he stands on broader cannabis reform just yet. When asked by Sen. Alex Padilla whether he supports moving all cannabis to Schedule III and reducing federal penalties for possession and sales, Blanche avoided giving a direct answer, saying he’d consider the issue if confirmed.
Blanche has already fast-tracked the rescheduling of state-licensed medical cannabis to Schedule III, saying the move expands access to treatment and encourages more research. That decision is now being challenged in court, while a separate proposal to reschedule all cannabis is still working its way through the federal process. Blanche also defended DOJ guidance that could allow U.S. attorneys to more aggressively prosecute simple cannabis possession on federal land, including places like national parks, signaling that federal enforcement could remain a concern even as rescheduling efforts continue.
This is a summary.
Please read the original article: DOJ Head Sidesteps Questions on Schedule III Order, Adult-Use Cannabis
Original article written by Tony Lange. Published on July 21, 2026 by Cannabis Business Times.
