Posted on March 6, 2025 View all news
NOTE: Every Brain Matters is a nonpartisan organization. The following is to inform you of the new HHS Secretary’s positions regarding marijuana and empower you to contact the officials who make the policies that affect our lives.
“I hear stories all the time of the impacts of marijuana on people—and the really catastrophic impacts on them.”
~ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
With change comes opportunity.
Now that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as the new United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, the marijuana paradigm has shifted considerably in the USA.
Slowing Things Down
During recent years, there has been a strong push to reschedule marijuana and to expand medical and recreational access to the drug.
As a presidential candidate, RFK was a vocal supporter of cannabis legalization. Now that he is the nation’s health czar, the responsibility has led to a more cautious and nuanced approach.
For example, when asked if he agreed with the FDA’s conclusion that cannabis has some medical and/or therapeutic use and if he supported rescheduling, RFK answered, “…I look forward to reviewing the reasoning behind the FDA’s conclusion and following the law.”
He also declined to support the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act and the Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), saying he had not carried out a “deep study” of the proposed legislation.
Of special relevance, Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska says, “RFK committed to me that he would follow the science on the harms of marijuana.“
These appear to be the words of someone with an open mind.
Listening to Different Opinions
When pressed on the question of potentially reclassifying marijuana, RFK has specifically said, “CSA scheduling is a prerogative of the DEA, and I defer to that agency in the exercise of its authorities.”
This is a highly significant statement, as Derek Maltz, the acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, is openly anti-marijuana.
“I’ve talked to doctors about this. It’s actually causing psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety—so it’s really a gateway drug for these kids that don’t know any better,” Maltz said at a Turning Point USA event last year.
Time to Speak Up
“Marijuana is harmful. We should definitely have a talk with RFK Jr. I mean, the bottom line is: We should keep Americans healthy by limiting the use of marijuana.”
~ Andy Harris, U.S. Representative for the State of Maryland
Representative Harris—who is also a Doctor—is absolutely right. Now is the time to make our voices heard. HHS Secretary Kennedy has pledged to “Make America Healthy Again,” and we have the unique opportunity to ensure he keeps that promise.
More than just an opportunity, it is also our responsibility.
Suppose you or someone you care about has been harmed by marijuana or the normalization of marijuana in America. In that case, we encourage you to share your unique story with RFK Jr. using this email: secretary@hhs.gov.
More powerful than dry statistics alone, your personal stories put a face on the drug crisis in this country and show how it impacts individuals, families, and society as a whole.
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Every Brain Matters is a trusted educational resource for families and communities wanting to stay safe from the harms associated with marijuana and the drug crisis.
We reject the false narrative that marijuana is a harmless expression of personal freedom. Based on the scientific evidence and personal stories, our position is that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug, and like all drugs of abuse, it destroys lives. Join us!
