[[{“value”:”
He may be one of the most polarizing figures to join a presidential Cabinet, but Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Trump could be auspicious for the legal cannabis industry. A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy maintained a pro-cannabis stance during his presidential campaign, stating he would legalize cannabis and use the tax revenue to fund rehabilitation facilities that would help treat people with addiction. For some industry professionals and champions who have been frustrated by the stalled progress in regulatory reform, particularly the rescheduling of cannabis with its delayed and postponed hearings, Kennedy’s appointment and subsequent confirmation are being hailed as a step forward.
Bryan Gerber, CEO of Hara Supply, a Las Vegas-based pre-rolled cones manufacturer, viewed Kennedy’s confirmation as the country’s leading health chief as a positive step, albeit with cautious optimism.
“Though RFK Jr. has previously been publicly supportive of cannabis legalization and expanding research on the topic,” said Gerber, “it remains to be seen whether we are looking at any upcoming policy shifts, including federal reform. Should this administration seek to push through the proposed reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, we will be looking at a period of significant industry growth, including expanded access to banking, tax benefits and more.”
Emily Paxhia, a managing partner at cannabis-focused investment firm Poseidon Asset Management, believes that Kennedy’s confirmation as health and human services secretary only further demonstrates the country’s perspective on healthcare is expanding to more exploratory and less conventional treatments.
“Cannabis sits squarely in the middle of this shift in the health zeitgeist,” explained Paxhia. “…Data shows that in states where cannabis is legalized, opioid addiction declines. Cannabis isn’t for everyone, but it seems that people are no longer accepting the status quo of what is being prescribed. Freedom of choice and freedom to determine a better, healthier lifestyle is an aspect of the new American dream.”
And, although Kennedy can be a “wildcard on many issues,” noted Brian Vicente, founding partner of Denver-based cannabis law firm Vicente LLP, he also “has a history of making sensible statements about cannabis.”
Vicente added, “[Kennedy] has frequently spoken about the medical efficacy of cannabis and its ability to be a safer alternative to opioids. The marijuana industry stands to benefit from having a reasonable voice on cannabis reform in the Trump Administration.”
“}]] He may be a polarizing figure but RFK Jr’s confirmation as Health and Human Services secretary is being seen by cannabis leaders as a step forward for the industry. Read More
