"This is insanity," declares Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ International Holdings, echoing the sentiments of lawmakers and researchers alike. The 2020 House Oversight Committee hearing, and ongoing developments, have laid bare the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) persistent obstruction of legitimate cannabis research, a battle MMJ has been fighting since their 2018 application. Despite bipartisan congressional outrage, as highlighted by Representative Earl "Buddy" Carter's scathing critique of the DEA's "epitome of ineptitude," and the agency's own hollow defenses, the DEA, represented by figures like Matthew Strait and Thomas Prevoznik, continues to delay and deny, hindering vital medical advancements. Boise's lawsuit against the DEA underscores the urgent need for reform, as the agency's actions not only impede scientific progress but also deny patients access to potentially life-changing treatments, a situation that demands immediate structural changes in federal cannabis policy.
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / March 24, 2025 / The House Oversight Committee hearing on federal marijuana policy in 2020 had brought to light significant bipartisan frustration with the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) handling of cannabis research approvals which still exist to date. The hearing, characterized by vigorous debates and bipartisan criticism, scrutinized the DEA's prolonged delays in processing applications for cannabis research cultivators, notably from entities like MMJ BioPharma Cultivation who applied in 2018.
Intense Criticism from Lawmakers "DEA is the Epitome of Ineptitude"
During the hearings, Rep. Earl "Buddy" Carter (R-GA), drawing on his expertise as a pharmacist, vociferously criticized the DEA for its failure to approve new cannabis research cultivators since MMJ's application in 2018. His sentiments were echoed by colleagues from both sides of the aisle who were exasperated by the DEA's inability to adhere to a 2016 promise and a 2022 congressional directive aimed at expediting research applications.
DEA's Justifications and Rebuttals
DEA Matthew Strait, backed up by DEA Thomas Prevoznik, who both represent the DEA, continue to defend defend the agency's cautious approach by citing international treaty obligations and the stringent vetting processes necessary to prevent diversion. However, lawmakers challenged these defenses as mere pretexts for the agency's inefficiencies and reluctance to embrace necessary changes in the realm of cannabis policy and medical research not to mention it is state legal in 38 states and not federally regulated.
Duane Boise and MMJ's Protracted Battle
Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ International Holdings, has been at the forefront of the battle against the DEA's sluggish approval processes. Under his leadership, MMJ filed a lawsuit against the DEA, highlighting the agency's obstructionist tactics and their detrimental effects on the development of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis medications. Boise argues that these delays not only hinder scientific progress but also compromise the quality of available research cannabis, which remains confined to inadequate supplies.
Calls for Structural Changes in Oversight
The pervasive discontent articulated during the hearing has catalyzed calls for significant structural reforms concerning cannabis research regulation. Many legislators are advocating for the transfer of oversight responsibilities from the DEA to more research-focused agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are deemed more suitable to oversee cannabis research that prioritizes public health and scientific discovery.
Potential Impacts of Reform
Should these proposed reforms be implemented, they could profoundly enhance the efficiency of cannabis research approvals, diversify the quality of cannabis available for research, and accelerate the development of new medical treatments. Such changes would not only fulfill congressional mandates but also realign federal actions with the urgent needs of the medical and scientific communities.
A Crossroads for DEA and Federal Cannabis Policy
The House Oversight Committee hearing has undeniably intensified the pressure on the DEA to reform its approach to cannabis research. As discussions advance, the agency finds itself at a crossroads, needing to choose between continuing its restrictive policies or embracing reforms that could facilitate significant advancements in medical research and public health.
The ongoing debate and the potential overhaul of DEA's cannabis research oversight are being closely monitored by stakeholders across various sectors, who recognize the potential for these developments to fundamentally reshape federal cannabis policy and enhance the landscape of medical cannabis research in the United States.
Watch the exchange https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1045416138
MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan.
CONTACT:
Madison Hisey
media@mmjih.com
203-231-8583
SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings
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