RFK Jr. takes over HHS — what does that mean for cannabis?

RFK, JR.
What Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation means for the industry 

Driving the news: As we wrote earlier this week, the cannabis industry has pinned its hopes on President Donald Trump’s Administration after years of perceived Democratic inaction on reform.

Yesterday, the cannabis industry’s biggest hope — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who campaigned for president on legalizing cannabis and then “Making America Healthy Again,” after endorsing Trump — was confirmed by the Senate 52-48 to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), an agency critical to cannabis reform. 

HHS oversees the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which would have a large role in developing federal regulations around legal cannabis products. 

What they’re saying: “RFK committed to me that he would follow the science on the harms of marijuana,” Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-IN), a longtime cannabis reform opponent, said after voting to confirm. 

Not the most promising statement… 

What RFK Jr.’s saying: When asked by members of the Senate Finance Committee as to his stance on reclassifying cannabis from the most restrictive Schedule I to the least restrictive Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, a process kicked off under Former President Joe Biden by the agency he now leads, he gave a noncommittal answer and declined to endorse rescheduling, raising the eyebrows of some in the industry.

“If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the reasoning behind the FDA’s conclusion and following the law,” he said in a written response.

And on Thursday evening, RFK Jr. went on Fox News and said he was “worried” about the normalization of “high-potency” marijuana, and said its use can have “really catastrophic impacts,” in a statement straight out of the prohibitionist playbook.

The industry’s response: “Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services brings a marginal impact to cannabis policy, as HHS has already fulfilled its role in the rescheduling process,” NewLake Capital Partners CEO Anthony Coniglio said. NewLake is a cannabis-focused real estate investment firm.

“With the decision now in the hands of the DEA, Secretary Kennedy’s influence will be limited to advocacy within the administration.”

Why it matters: Since RFK Jr. was nominated he’s been relatively quiet on cannabis, outside of his Thursday Fox News interview.

While cannabis can certainly fit under the “Make America Healthy Again” umbrella, his primary goals seem to be about removing unhealthy seed oils from food, rather than developing comprehensive and robust cannabis regulations. 

He also may have bigger fish to fry than cannabis reform as bird flu cases continue to rise in the US. 

What’s next: We’ll know more once RFK Jr. takes over the job. 

Newly confirmed agency leaders often use their opening speech to their employees to lay out their priorities. We’ll be watching to see if he mentions cannabis.

It’s also possible that RFK Jr. has been quiet on cannabis because it’s controversial within his own party, and he needed all the votes he could muster. But that’s an assumption without much backing. 

Still, despite Trump surrounding himself with those who have antiquated views on reform — like his Drug Enforcement Administration pick, Terrance Cole — RFK Jr. is an important pro-cannabis voice now in the Cabinet.

Time will tell whether or not he acts on it. The industry should continue to advocate for reform until its voice is hoarse. 

-JB

“Parents, talking to your kids about cannabis is important! I know it can be uncomfortable to have these kinds of conversations with your kids, but creating a space for open, informed dialogue helps young people navigate their choices,” Dr. Yasmin Hurd, the director of the Addiction Institute at Mt. Sinai Hospital said. 

“You don't need to be scared of cannabis, but staying informed allows you to share evidence-based information with your kids.”

New York’s Cannabis Control Board meets 🗽

New York’s Cannabis Control Board will meet today at 11 AM. The Board plans to approve new cannabis retail licenses, lower proximity rules for nearby dispensaries, and much, much more. You can watch it here. 

New poll finds majority support for legalization in Florida — but not 60% 🦩

A new poll from the Florida Chamber of Commerce finds that 53% of Sunshine State residents support legalization — but that’s not enough to pass the 60% vote threshold to become law. Last year, cannabis received 56% of the vote on Election Day. Cannabis advocates want to try again in 2026, but the math looks tough. Check out the poll results here.

Forbes seeking applications for the cannabis 42.0 list 💸

Stalwart business and finance magazine is seeking applications for its annual 42.0 list. If you run a private cannabis company (as we know many of you do), think about applying here.

High Tide opens its 77th Canna Cabana store in Ontario 🤝

High Tide has opened its 77th Canna Cabana retail cannabis store in Ontario, located in Ottawa. The company continues to grow its footprint across Canada.

Cannabis beverage brand Brez is hiring for a bunch of roles, including a six-figure director of marketing and director of e-commerce.

Smoking cannabis leads to tooth decay 🦷

Frequent cannabis smoking can lead to cavities and severe tooth loss, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. People who regularly consume cannabis have 41% higher odds of severe tooth loss. The study’s authors only considered smoking and not other consumption methods like edibles. It’s another sign that smoking generally isn’t good for you. The authors say they don’t want to demonize cannabis and that users should consider drinking lots of water and brushing their teeth after they smoke or even switching to healthier consumption methods. Read more.

If you’re a true masochist like us, watch this debate between Martha Bueno and Smart Approaches to Marijuana’s Luke Niforatos on the benefits and harms of legalization. We’d suggest some strong legal products to help wash this one down.

Robert F. Kennedy's confirmation: Cannabis advocates question his new vow to follow the science' on marijuana's harms | Benzinga

Could recreational marijuana really bring $1.3 billion in revenue to Pa. over five years? Here’s how other states are faring. | The Philadelphia Inquirer

Legalizing marijuana would be a bipartisan win for Indiana | IndyStar