Senator Elizabeth Warren is pressing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services, to reiterate his stance on marijuana legalization as the country moves forward with efforts to federally reschedule cannabis. In a 34-page letter, Warren asked Kennedy to clarify his views on various policy issues, including marijuana, psychedelics, and harm reduction.
Kennedy has previously expressed support for legalizing cannabis and certain psychedelic substances as an alternative treatment option for serious mental health conditions. Warren wants to know if he still supports the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), two Democratic-led congressional bills aimed at legalizing marijuana.
The senator also asked Kennedy to weigh in on the Biden administration’s proposal to reschedule cannabis, which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, but still keep it federally illegal. Warren inquired about Kennedy’s views on removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and how he would handle the rescheduling process differently.
In addition to marijuana, Warren’s letter touched on Kennedy’s stance on harm reduction measures, such as prescription heroin and supervised consumption, as well as his views on psychedelics and the FDA’s role in regulating them. Kennedy has previously criticized the FDA for suppressing access to psychedelics and other controversial drugs.
Warren’s letter comes as Kennedy prepares to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services, an agency that plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s healthcare policies. Warren emphasized the importance of having a strong and capable leader who prioritizes the health and well-being of all Americans.
Kennedy’s nomination has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting his pro-reform stance on psychedelics and others expressing concerns about his potential to undermine the scientific basis of these substances. As the confirmation process moves forward, Kennedy will have the opportunity to clarify his views on these important issues.
