[PRESS RELEASE] – WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 – MMJ International Holdings, recognized for its pioneering efforts in marijuana-derived pharmaceuticals, has made significant headway with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in developing treatments for Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
However, the company’s progress faces substantial roadblocks due to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) persistent delays in processing its API BULK MANUFACTURING application to cultivate pharmaceutical marijuana, creating a stark contrast between the cooperation received from the FDA and the obstacles imposed by the DEA.
Meet Matthew J. Strait
Matthew J. Strait, a senior policy adviser at the DEA’s Diversion Control Division, finds himself at the center of controversy due to his alleged defiance of two significant presidential actions: President Donald Trump’s Right to Try law and former President Joe Biden’s initiatives to enhance marijuana research. This release explores Strait’s actions which seem to conflict federal efforts that are intended to promote medical treatment access and cannabis research.
Biden’s Call for Enhanced Marijuana Research
The Biden Administration has a mandate that clearly outlines its support for and expansion of cannabis research. This reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits marijuana may have on health. However, reports suggest that Matthew J. Strait has been a bottleneck in this progression, particularly impacting MMJ International Holdings’ efforts to obtain necessary registrations for cannabis cultivation for research purposes. It has slowed down the ability of MMJ International Holdings to conduct clinical trials. These are crucial for developing pharmaceutical cannabis drugs.
Trump’s Right to Try Initiative
Enacted in 2018, the Right to Try law was designed to allow terminally ill patients expedited access to experimental treatments that have not yet received FDA approval. It was intended to avoid the cumbersome and lengthy FDA approval processes and give hope and potentially life-saving treatment to terminally ill patients with few other options. Despite the law’s intent to cut red tape, Strait’s adherence to interpreted DEA protocols has reportedly obstructed the pathway for many companies like MMJ International Holdings, which is working to develop cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s disease.
Allegations that DEA is undermining Pharmaceutical Development
Strait’s actions have been criticized not only for stalling the regulatory approval processes but also for being at odds with the DEA’s mission to facilitate the development of medications that can aid patients in need. The delay in processing registrations for MMJ International Holdings has raised significant concerns about the DEA’s alignment with contemporary medical and scientific standards, as well as federal policy directions.
Ethics and policy implications of DEA
It raises serious questions regarding the DEA’s dedication to public safety. Strait’s actions, according to critics, are indicative of a broader resistance among DEA officials against adopting progressive cannabis policies or pharmaceutical innovations even if legislative mandates and executive orders support them.
Reforming DEA Reform is urgently required
The defiance by Strait regarding Trump’s Right to Try and Biden’s marijuana research initiatives reflects a critical need for reform within the DEA. The DEA must adapt its internal policies to better support the advancement of cannabis-based drugs. With the potential reshuffling under Schedule F, there is hope for new leadership that prioritizes patient care and scientific progress over outdated resistance. Cannabis research and the rights to experimentation are both dependent on government alignment with their stated missions and public health priorities.
Megan Sheehan is the attorney representing MMJ in Rhode Island.
[PRESS RELEASE] – WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 – MMJ International Holdings, recognized for its pioneering efforts in marijuana-derived pharmaceuticals, has made significant headway with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in developing treatments for Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
However, the company’s progress faces substantial roadblocks due to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) persistent delays in processing its API BULK MANUFACTURING application to cultivate pharmaceutical marijuana, creating a stark contrast between the cooperation received from the FDA and the obstacles imposed by the DEA.
Meet Matthew J. Strait
Matthew J. Strait, a senior policy adviser at the DEA’s Diversion Control Division, finds himself at the center of controversy due to his alleged defiance of two significant presidential actions: President Donald Trump’s Right to Try law and former President Joe Biden’s initiatives to enhance marijuana research. This press release examines Strait’s actions and how they appear to be in conflict with federal efforts to improve access to medical cannabis treatment as well as research.
Biden’s Call for Enhanced Marijuana Research
The Biden Administration has a mandate that clearly outlines its support for and expansion of cannabis research. This reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits marijuana may have on health. However, reports suggest that Matthew J. Strait has been a bottleneck in this progression, particularly impacting MMJ International Holdings’ efforts to obtain necessary registrations for cannabis cultivation for research purposes. It has slowed down the ability of MMJ International Holdings to conduct clinical trials. These are crucial for developing pharmaceutical cannabis drugs.
Trump’s Right to Try Initiative
Enacted in 2018, the Right to Try law was designed to allow terminally ill patients expedited access to experimental treatments that have not yet received FDA approval. It was intended to avoid the cumbersome and lengthy FDA approval processes and give hope and potentially life-saving treatment to terminally ill patients with few other options. Despite the law’s intent to cut red tape, Strait’s adherence to interpreted DEA protocols has reportedly obstructed the pathway for many companies like MMJ International Holdings, which is working to develop cannabis-based treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s disease.
Allegations that DEA is undermining Pharmaceutical Development
Strait’s actions have been criticized not only for stalling the regulatory approval processes but also for being at odds with the DEA’s mission to facilitate the development of medications that can aid patients in need. The delay in processing registrations for MMJ International Holdings has raised significant concerns about the DEA’s alignment with contemporary medical and scientific standards, as well as federal policy directions.
Ethics and policy implications of DEA
This situation has raised serious ethical and policy concerns about DEA’s commitment towards public health. Strait’s actions, according to critics, are indicative of a broader resistance among DEA officials against adopting progressive cannabis policies or pharmaceutical innovations even when mandates from the executive and legislative branches support them.
Reforming DEA Reform is urgently required
The defiance by Strait regarding Trump’s Right to Try and Biden’s marijuana research initiatives reflects a critical need for reform within the DEA. The DEA must adapt its internal policies to better support the advancement of cannabis-based drugs. With the potential reshuffling under Schedule F, there is hope for new leadership that prioritizes patient care and scientific progress over outdated resistance. Cannabis research and the rights to experimentation are both dependent on government alignment with their stated missions and public health priorities.
Megan Sheehan is the attorney representing MMJ in Rhode Island.
Cannabis Law Resources in Poland
Browse essential legal pages on cannabis sales and cultivation in Poland. These guides will help you understand the legal requirements, such as certifications, permits, and compliance.
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Polish News Registration and Interests of Cannabis Businesses
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Permissions for Cannabis Sales in Poland
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Authorization for Importing or Manufacturing Medical Products
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Permission for Manufacturing or Importing Medical Products
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Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
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Registration of Medical Products in Poland