GOP Senator Claims RFK Will “Follow the Science” on Marijuana Harms
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly confirmed Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has committed to “following the science” on the harms of marijuana. Ricketts made this claim after speaking with Kennedy, who has a history of supporting marijuana legalization.
However, it is unclear what specific commitments Kennedy made to Ricketts or what he plans to do about the existing scientific consensus on marijuana. HHS has already determined that marijuana has medical value with a relatively low abuse potential.
Kennedy’s confirmation to the HHS role has been met with mixed reactions. While some have expressed concerns about his support for marijuana legalization, others have praised his commitment to psychedelics reform.
Ricketts has also filed a bill with Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to prevent the marijuana industry from taking federal tax deductions, even if marijuana is rescheduled.
The confirmation of Kennedy to the HHS role has implications for the future of marijuana policy in the United States. With Trump’s pick for DEA administrator also expressing concerns about the dangers of marijuana, it remains to be seen how Kennedy will approach the issue.
Kennedy’s history of supporting marijuana legalization has been met with criticism from some lawmakers, including Representative Andy Harris (R-MD), who has said it’s “definitely” time to have a talk with Kennedy about the harms of marijuana.
Despite these concerns, Kennedy has stated that he will defer to the DEA on marijuana rescheduling in his new role. This could complicate the rescheduling process, particularly given the concerns expressed by Trump’s pick for DEA administrator.
Overall, the confirmation of Kennedy to the HHS role has raised questions about the future of marijuana policy in the United States. While some have expressed optimism about his commitment to psychedelics reform, others have raised concerns about his support for marijuana legalization.
