The DEA's marijuana rescheduling hearing has now concluded, marking an important procedural milestone in the process.
While public attention has focused on the hearing itself, the next key deadline is August 17, when participating parties may submit post-hearing briefs and proposed corrections to the hearing transcript. This suggests the hearing record is now being finalized rather than expanded with new testimony.
The absence of a publicly released transcript may also have a straightforward explanation. Because parties have an opportunity to review and request corrections before the record is finalized, the DEA may be waiting to publish an official transcript until that process is complete.
Unless the administrative law judge determines that extraordinary circumstances warrant reopening the record, the evidentiary phase appears to be over. After the August 17 deadline, attention will turn to the judge's recommended decision, followed by final review from the DEA Administrator.
For now, the rescheduling process has entered a quieter but still significant procedural stage as the official record is finalized.