Washington, D.C. could be watching for support from the cannabis industry as federal marijuana legislation is suspended for now. This includes the confirmation hearings of the U.S. hopeful Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a former marijuana proponent.
Kennedy, who is a polarizing figure, appeared last weekend to have backed off from his pro-cannabis stand. He responded to U.S. Senates in writing that he “would defer” to Department of Justice officials, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies of law enforcement, regarding the status of legal cannabis. Marijuana Moment published the report.
This, along with other potentially troubling past statements made by Trump appointees has left cannabis lobbyists on thin ice politically, as the Trump administration could simply decide to cancel the entire process of rescheduling that began under former President Joe Biden, and push marijuana reform back for four more years.
Cannabis lobbyists were careful to choose their words when they responded to news on Tuesday that RFK, Jr.’s nomination was approved by a U.S. Senate Committee and had advanced to the Senate floor for a vote.
Michelle Rutter Friberg, Director of Government Relations for the National Cannabis Industry Association, in an email, expressed her surprise at RFK, Jr.’s apparent deprioritization marijuana.
Friberg wrote: “Though Kennedy publicly supported marijuana reform before, it is clear that he intends to follow administrative procedure when it comes to the rescheduling.”
David Culver wrote in response to Trump’s September campaign pledge that he supported moving cannabis from Schedule I to III. His nominees were committed to carrying out his agenda. RFK Jr.’s support for cannabis legalization is not new. “If confirmed, we anticipate that he will be a reliable reform advocate.”
And Shanita Penny, executive director of the Coalition for Cannabis Education, Policy and Regulation (CPEAR) added in a statement, “We remain committed to working with the Trump administration … to advance cannabis policy rooted in data and science. We look forward to a future where (RFK Jr.) is confirmed and we can continue the discussion on federal cannabis policies with sound research.
Matt Schweich was the Executive Director of Marijuana Policy Project. His outlook is more scathing.
Schweich noted that Biden – like Trump – also entered the White House in 2021 with promises of federal cannabis reform, but ultimately failed to deliver.
Schweich, speaking of RFK Jr.’s hearings, said that it was “somewhat concerning” to not see him take advantage of this opportunity to speak positively about Trump’s cannabis plans. When you hear RFK Jr. — who does not seem to struggle to hold his opinion in a firm manner — say very uncommittal statements about cannabis reform it will cause concern among advocates and voters. “We don’t need another administration to say the right thing and do nothing.”
Biden has failed miserably in his cannabis policy. And now … for the first time in modern history, we have a president who enters office having supported cannabis legalization,” Schweich said.
Schweich stated simply, “Until Trump takes action in a substantive way, the jury is out.”