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As confirmation hearings for President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees continue, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is pressing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to clarify his stance on marijuana legalization and drug policy.
In a 34-page letter sent Thursday, Warren raised questions about Kennedy’s views on cannabis, psychedelics, and harm reduction measures. She specifically asked whether Kennedy supports Democratic-led congressional measures such as the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), both of which propose federal legalization and expanded treatment options for substance misuse.
Kennedy has publicly supported marijuana legalization, advocating for tax revenues from cannabis sales to fund substance use treatment programs. However, Warren is seeking a reaffirmation of his position, particularly in light of the Biden administration’s push to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While this move would ease some restrictions, Warren noted that it would not fully legalize marijuana and asked Kennedy whether he agrees with HHS’s assessment.
Additionally, Warren inquired about Kennedy’s broader drug policy, particularly his previous support for harm reduction measures such as “prescription heroin” and supervised consumption sites for opioid addiction treatment. She also asked for his stance on medications like buprenorphine and methadone, which are widely used for opioid addiction recovery, as well as funding for housing support for individuals who use drugs.
Warren’s letter also addressed Kennedy’s position on psychedelics, referencing a recent social media post where he criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for restricting access to substances such as psilocybin. While she acknowledged his support for psychedelics reform, Warren questioned the coherence of his stance in relation to his broader views on public health regulation.
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked debate among policymakers and advocates. While some, including a top Veterans Affairs official, see his support for psychedelics reform as promising, others, like author Michael Pollan, warn that his approach could undermine scientific legitimacy. Meanwhile, figures such as former Texas Governor Rick Perry have praised Trump’s selection, calling Kennedy’s views on drug reform a “great gift” to the movement.
As Kennedy prepares for potential confirmation, his responses to Warren’s inquiries could shape the administration’s approach to federal drug policy in the coming years.
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