Could Trump’s choice for the Department of Health and Human Services, Mike Stuart, pose a threat to cannabis reform efforts?

February 20, 2025 – In recent news, the appointment of Mike Stuart as lead attorney for the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration has raised concerns about the potential impact on cannabis reform. David Culver, Senior Vice President of the United States Cannabis Roundtable, will join hosts Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell in the Trade To Black Podcast to discuss this significant development. Stuart’s past statements as a vocal opponent of cannabis legalization, labeling marijuana as a gateway drug, and aligning with Jeff Sessions’s anti-cannabis stance have sparked worries among advocates for cannabis reform.

The news comes at a time when cannabis stock sentiment appears to be hitting a low point. CEOs publicly questioning the legitimacy of inflows into the MSOS ETF have raised concerns about market manipulation. Additionally, media scrutiny of Jason Wilde’s stock sales has added to the negative sentiment surrounding cannabis stocks.

The focus is now on whether Mike Stuart’s confirmation to the HHS department could impede the Drug Enforcement Administration’s decision on cannabis rescheduling and slow down federal reform efforts. Culver emphasizes the importance of industry representatives having a voice in policy decisions and direct engagement with President Trump to push for cannabis reform. The confirmation of Stuart, known for his hardline stance against cannabis policies, has raised questions about potential setbacks in federal cannabis reform.

In addition to the appointment of Mike Stuart, legislative battles in Ohio and Florida are also in the spotlight. SB 56 in Ohio aims to roll back provisions of a voter-approved marijuana legalization law, prompting criticism from civil rights groups and cannabis advocates. On the other hand, in Florida, despite strong public support for cannabis reform, Governor Ron DeSantis remains opposed, casting doubt on the future of cannabis legalization in the state.

Moreover, former NHL player Daniel Carcillo, now Founder of Experience Onward, a state-licensed legal psilocybin center in Portland, Oregon, will also join the podcast to discuss the recent appointment of RFK as head of the HHS and its potential implications for the psychedelic industry. The podcast promises to delve deeper into these crucial issues and provide insights from industry experts to shed light on the evolving landscape of cannabis and psychedelics.

As the Trump administration continues to make key appointments that could shape the direction of cannabis policy, industry stakeholders, advocates, and policymakers are closely monitoring developments to gauge the potential impact on cannabis and psychedelic industries. Stay tuned for further discussions and updates on how these appointments and legislative battles could influence the future of cannabis reform in the United States.