Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed by the United States to be secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and activist, has expressed support for marijuana legalization on numerous occasions, in addition to moving marijuana away from its current status as a Schedule I drug.
As Secretary of HHS, Kennedy will oversee agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), both of which play crucial roles in shaping federal cannabis policy. He could have an even larger impact if marijuana is rescheduled, given the FDA would decide which cannabis-based medicines could be prescribed nationwide.
When questioned about his position on marijuana rescheduling during his confirmation hearing, Kennedy stated that he would “defer to the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)”, as he is legally obligated to do. He emphasized that the scheduling of controlled substances is under the DEA’s jurisdiction and that he would ensure HHS provides necessary expertise to assist other agencies as needed.
RFK Jr. has been a vocal advocate for marijuana reform. He has stated, “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.”
Kennedy envisions using cannabis tax revenue to fund “renewal centers” aimed at addressing mental health issues, PTSD, and addiction among youth. He also supports allowing cannabis businesses to access traditional banking services, noting that the current cash-only operations “encourage more crime.” Despite his personal history with addiction, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of “personal freedoms” and believes that criminalizing drug use is untenable.
RFK Jr. is the second pro-legalization Trump nominee confirmed this week, with Tulsia Gabbard nominated recently to be Director of National Intelligence.
