Robert F. Kennedy Jr., newly confirmed as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressed concern over high-potency marijuana while also acknowledging the failures of past criminalization efforts.
(Photo credit: AP File Photo/Jordan Strauss).
Speaking to Fox News’s Laura Ingraham in his first major interview after securing confirmation yesterday, Kennedy said he is “worried about” the effects of potent marijuana and believes its use can have “really catastrophic impacts” on individuals. Despite his concerns, he emphasized that state-level legalization allows for research into both its risks and benefits.
Kennedy, who has been in recovery from substance abuse for over 40 years, noted that he frequently hears about the negative effects of marijuana in his daily 12-step meetings. However, he said the potential harms must be weighed against the consequences of criminalization.
“Twenty-five states have now legalized marijuana, but we have about a third of our prison population that was in jail because of marijuana offenses,” he said. “That’s something we don’t want either.”
He highlighted the importance of research, stating that legalization provides an opportunity to study the substance and develop appropriate policies. His comments come as HHS has already recommended moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law, a process that is currently in the hands of the DEA.
Prior to his nomination as head of HHS, RFK Jr. has been a vocal advocate for marijuana reform. During his campaign for president he said “What I’ve advocated is that we should legalize marijuana. We should have a federal tax on marijuana that is designated specifically for drug treatment and rehabilitation.”
