Trump’s Former DEA Head Signals New Marijuana Approach May Be Coming
As the national debate over marijuana intensifies, President Donald Trump’s former Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has indicated that a renewed federal stance may soon emerge. In a revealing podcast appearance, Derek Maltz emphasized the importance of addressing the widening gap between federal and state cannabis policies.
Former DEA Leader Questions Motives Behind Biden’s Rescheduling Effort
During his interview on The Dales Report, a cannabis-centered podcast, Maltz was careful not to take a firm stance on the Biden administration’s proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. However, he repeatedly cast doubt on the motivations behind the effort. According to Maltz, the current push seems more politically driven than grounded in science.
Though he stepped down from the DEA in 2014, Maltz briefly returned to serve as acting head under Trump. His recent remarks indicate concern that the rescheduling debate is muddying the public message around cannabis safety, public health, and drug enforcement priorities.
Illicit Cannabis Operations Still a Priority for Former DEA Official
Maltz highlighted what he described as a clear distinction between state-regulated cannabis and marijuana produced through illegal grow operations tied to international criminal networks. He warned about the dangers of illicit cannabis laced with synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and unknown contaminants—particularly from operations allegedly tied to Chinese and Mexican cartels.
According to Maltz, these networks are exploiting regulatory inconsistencies and operating “all over the country,” contributing to a national drug safety crisis. He called for urgent attention to the illegal supply chain that is, in his view, “poisoning the country.”
Youth Access and Mental Health Risks Remain Central Concerns
Despite the evolving national conversation about the economic and medical benefits of regulated marijuana, Maltz expressed deep concern about youth access and mental health outcomes. He linked cannabis use—especially illicit or unregulated forms—to rising cases of psychosis and schizophrenia, stressing the need for more research and clearer safety standards.
As a grandfather and long-time drug enforcement professional, Maltz underscored his personal fears about the long-term neurological effects on young users. He urged policymakers to back their decisions with science and robust data—not political expediency.
Cannabis Rescheduling Process Faces Delays and Political Hurdles
The interview comes as the DEA’s cannabis rescheduling process, initiated under President Biden, remains in limbo. With the retirement of DEA Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney, ongoing hearings have been paused. The proceedings had already faced turbulence amid allegations that anti-rescheduling witnesses were selected in coordination with DEA staff, raising concerns about fairness.
Despite public interest and growing support from lawmakers, business owners, and researchers, the transition from Schedule I to Schedule III is now stalled, waiting for direction under newly sworn-in DEA Administrator Terrence Cole.
Trump’s DEA Head Predicts That the Next Administration Will Tackle the Cannabis Divide
Maltz believes the current patchwork of cannabis laws—federal prohibition alongside widespread state legalization—is creating nationwide confusion. He predicted that if Trump returns to the White House, his administration will take a serious and thorough look at cannabis policy.
He did not suggest whether Trump would support legalization or rescheduling. However, he conveyed confidence that a Trump-led administration would seek clarity by consulting with professionals across government agencies.
DEA’s Current Priorities Do Not Include Marijuana Reform—At Least Publicly
Interestingly, despite previously signaling interest in reviewing the cannabis rescheduling process, new DEA Administrator Terrence Cole omitted marijuana policy from his official list of agency priorities. Instead, the DEA’s focus remains on combatting fentanyl trafficking, cartel violence, and illicit drug sales via cryptocurrency and the dark web.
This omission has raised eyebrows among cannabis advocates who had hoped the change in leadership would accelerate the reform process initiated last year.
Republican Support for Cannabis Reform May Influence Future Policy
Polling conducted earlier this year by a GOP-aligned strategist found that a majority of Republican voters now support cannabis rescheduling and favor allowing states to determine their own legalization policies without federal interference. These shifting attitudes could influence Trump’s approach, should he seek to align with voter sentiment during an election year.
Congress and Advocacy Groups Pressure the Executive Branch for Progress
While executive agencies like the DEA hold power over rescheduling decisions, recent statements from congressional researchers point out that lawmakers themselves could pass cannabis reform more quickly and with greater legal certainty. Some Republican senators have even introduced legislation to preserve tax restrictions on marijuana businesses, regardless of rescheduling.
Meanwhile, public pressure is mounting. A newly formed advocacy coalition—composed of athletes and entertainers and led by Mike Tyson—recently urged Trump to outpace Biden on cannabis reform. Their demands include not only rescheduling but also expanding clemency, improving banking access for cannabis businesses, and granting tax relief through IRS code reform.
Legalization Advocates Warn Against Delays While Businesses Face Financial Barriers
Although rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III would not legalize it at the federal level, it would carry significant benefits for legal operators. Among other things, it would allow licensed cannabis businesses to deduct normal expenses on their federal tax returns—a change that could improve profitability in a heavily taxed industry.
However, progress has been slow. Advocacy groups continue to warn that the lack of action is holding back industry development, medical research, and public health progress.
Conclusion: The Future of Federal Cannabis Policy May Hinge on the 2024 Election
While Derek Maltz refrained from giving a direct endorsement of federal cannabis legalization or rescheduling, his remarks suggest that marijuana will be a key issue for the next administration—especially if President Trump returns to power. The former DEA head’s emphasis on clarity, public health, and national security hints at a more structured federal approach to marijuana in the near future.
With rescheduling proceedings stalled, a new DEA chief in place, and bipartisan interest growing in Congress, cannabis reform remains a volatile, high-stakes policy front. The public, industry stakeholders, and health officials alike now await decisive action—whether from the executive branch, Congress, or both.
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