For a moment, it seemed as though cannabis was on a slow-moving yet progressive path toward federal reform. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was working through moving the plant from Schedule I (its most restrictive status) to the slightly less restrictive Schedule III. Things came to a halt earlier this month when a series of hearings on the subject were postponed—but a new figure at the DEA may have even more of an impact.
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President Trump appointed Derek Maltz as acting head of the DEA while his administration seeks a permanent candidate. It’s unknown how long Maltz will hold the position or if he’ll influence the rescheduling process.
Maltz previously spent 28 years at the DEA, retiring a decade ago. Maltz has taken a clear stance on cannabis, leaving some to wonder if federal reform could be at risk.
The former DEA administrator said in an interview last year that marijuana is a “gateway drug” and leads to mental health issues. He added that cannabis potency is partially to blame for the effects. Maltz previously linked the plant to school shootings.
For all the irresponsible politicians trying to get votes by legalizing marijuana, maybe it’s time to understand the NEGATIVE IMPACTS from smoking this crap! People rushing to ER’s and increased info on schools shooters connected to obsessive pot smoking.https://t.co/MQh0Xpq3rR
— Derek Maltz Sr (@derekmaltz_sr) October 22, 2022
When it comes to rescheduling, Maltz has said the move is politically motivated. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) and in an interview with the Associated Press, he claimed the Department of Justice was hijacking the DEA. However, he conceded, “If there’s scientific evidence to support this decision, then so be it. But you’ve got to let the scientists evaluate it.”
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A government report released last year officially stated that cannabis indeed has some medicinal value. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved one cannabis-derived drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of certain seizure disorders.
If Maltz keeps his job, it’ll be interesting to see how these conflicting opinions will come into play. Given some of his incendiary comments, it’s difficult to say if his directive to let science be the judge will stand. Advocates on either side of the debate must wait and see, given that Trump could still nominate someone else to take charge of the DEA.
