Derek Maltz appointed acting head of DEA, sparking controversy over his stance against cannabis legalization and accusing the Biden administration of political interference
Derek Maltz was announced as acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Monday (21). His stance against the Biden administration´s proposed reclassification of cannabis and his controversial statements about the impact of cannabis on school shootings have reignited debates about US drug policy.
Derek Maltz´s DEA background
Maltz, who retired from the DEA in 2014 after 28 years of service, returns to the position amid a political transition in the Trump administration. His appointment is temporary, while the president decides who will fill the position permanently.
In 2022, Maltz linked cannabis use to school shootings, stating that "compulsive marijuana smoking" would be associated with youth violence.
He criticized the proposed reclassification by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Biden administration, calling it “politically motivated.” Maltz also suggested that “genetically modified cannabis” has been linked to the increase in mass shootings. Cannabis Reclassification Controversies The process to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act was initiated by the Biden administration in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Maltz claims that the DEA was undermined by the DOJ during this review, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process. “It appears to me that the DOJ prioritized politics and votes over public health and safety!” Maltz said in May 2024. He also highlighted concerns about the effects of high THC content in cannabis products and alleged that international criminal organizations are exploiting vulnerabilities in the regulation. Drug Debate Repercussions
Pro-drug reform groups have expressed concern about Maltz’s return to the DEA. They argue that his positions could delay progress in regulating cannabis and increase criminalization.
Meanwhile, scheduled administrative hearings to consider the proposed reclassification have been postponed, increasing uncertainty about the future of federal drug policy.
Source: https://sechat.com.br/noticia/novo-chefe-da-dea-de-trump-se-opoe-a-reclassificacao-da-maconha
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