Is There Hope For Cannabis Rescheduling With Maltz In Office?

 

In January, fear spread across the nation when Derek S. Maltz was appointed as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)’s Acting Administrator.

On January 21st, 2025, he took office, but we’re yet to find out if he’s the great threat to cannabis rescheduling that we think he is. Having Maltz in the DEA office could quite literally be a cannabis prohibitionist’s dream: he has all the right ingredients in place to keep cannabis illegal and stop it from progressing. Rescheduling? Don’t even think about it.

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano even commented on the appointment, saying: “The new acting DEA Administrator is a lifelong drug war hawk whose outdated attitudes toward cannabis are out of step with those of most Americans. At a time when most Americans are demanding long overdue changes in federal cannabis policy, Derek Maltz epitomizes the failed policies and approaches of the past.”

You see, Maltz has long been vocal about his skepticism surrounding cannabis, including the benefits it can provide if rescheduled. And while the DEA press release describes Maltz as a “champion” when it comes to fighting global drug trafficking as well as terrorism, he’s not so hot about rescheduling cannabis.

Yes, even if Trump showed support for rescheduling weed! Just last September 2024, Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social: “As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 in November.”

“As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens,” he said.

However, Maltz openly doubted the legitimacy of government efforts to reclassify cannabis, saying that under Biden, the government was “placing politics above public safety.”

As reported by Marijuana Moment, Maltz also put cannabis in a negative light and said it causes psychosis, during an NTD interview last year during a Turning Point USA event. “Marijuana is not the marijuana from the 70s or the 80s or the 90s. This is higher, pure-THC marijuana,” Maltz said.

“I’ve even talked to doctors about this. It’s actually causing psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety – so it’s really a gateway drug for these kids that don’t know any better,” Maltz said. “The mental illness – the depression and anxiety – is off the chats in America. So these kids are turning to drugs for help,” he was quoted as saying.

How Else Is Maltz A Threat To Cannabis Legalization?

In addition, Maltz’ decorated career in law enforcement, particularly his strict stance on organized crime and drug trafficking, may influence his positions when it comes to marijuana regulations and the businesses in the industry.

If Maltz continues his focus on policing, this could seriously hurt profits and the industry as a whole. There is no doubt that the political climate is turbulent at best, and with Maltz at the helm, with his claims of focusing on public safety and fighting against drugs, the pro-cannabis camp is more worried than ever. It does not help that the hearings initially scheduled to debate cannabis rescheduling was delayed; it should have pushed through in order to assess the rescheduling proposals so that cannabis may have been on its way to be listed as a Schedule III substance.

Unfortunately, the unstable and chaotic political climate as of late did nothing but delay these discussions.

Furthermore, Maltz might be spending a lot of time, money, and effort on capturing these so-called narco-terrorists during his time in the Drug Enforcement Agency. According to him, traffickers and drug cartels still rule the marijuana markets. This isn’t good if it happens, since this could cause more DEA raids or random, unnecessary investigations in legal cannabis markets. Besides, Maltz thinks that the cartels fuel the black market in America today. Maltz even said: “People aren’t going to pay for marijuana, for example, with these high taxes in these states that have legalized. They’re going to get it from the cartels, and that’s just reality.”

Conclusion

Trump’s stance on marijuana has continued to confuse people; it’s been mixed over the past few years. While Trump himself says supports rescheduling, his administration can quite literally make the decision to stop the rescheduling process completely. After all, administrative law states that if a federal agency hasn’t made a final decision before a new government takes place in the White House, then the appointed president has the freedom to direct that the rules be completely withdrawn.

On that note, we’d need a strong DEA head to change things. Things are hard enough as it is, the last thing we need is an obstacle in the government.

It’s truly unfortunate that we have Maltz in office; with him in leadership, any hopes for progressing on federal cannabis reform might go back to being just a dream. What he does over the next few months could create a serious divide between federal enforcement as well as state legalization efforts, and instead increase the hardships faced by businesses and public health.

While the future seems bleak, we have to keep a close eye on how political negotiations in the Trump Administration will fare in the near future. That said, we must never give up and continue to fight for legalization however we can.

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Modern Parenting: Talking to your kids about weed…our use not theirs!

Remember that uncomfortable moment when your parents caught you smoking weed? That dreaded “Talk” that followed – where you sat squirming in your chair while they cycled through concern, disappointment, and those well-worn warnings about the dangers of marijuana. Even though you knew they meant well, it felt like an eternity of awkward silence punctuated by cautionary tales and stern looks.

For those of us who came of age in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, this was practically a rite of passage. Getting busted, enduring The Talk, making promises to “never do it again” (fingers firmly crossed behind our backs), and eventually being grounded or punished in some creative way. While our parents were right about waiting until our brains fully developed before experimenting with cannabis, the whole experience was about as pleasant as a bad case of cottonmouth.

But times, they are a-changin’. These days, many of those same kids who got The Talk are now parents themselves – and quite a few of them enjoy cannabis responsibly as adults. This creates an interesting role reversal. Instead of lecturing kids about their weed use, modern parents face the challenge of explaining their own cannabis consumption to their children.

How do you have that conversation? When is the right time? What do you say to a curious 5-year-old who spots your vape pen? How do you address a teenager’s pointed questions about your “hypocritical” stance on underage use?

Today, we’re going to tackle these thorny questions head-on, providing modern parents with age-appropriate strategies for discussing their cannabis use with their kids. Because in 2025, The Talk isn’t just about warning kids away from weed – it’s about modeling responsible adult consumption in an era of increasing acceptance and legalization.

Let’s dive into how to navigate these conversations at different stages of your child’s development.

When it comes to discussing cannabis use with your kids, we can essentially break it down into two major developmental stages. Sure, we could slice and dice age groups into smaller segments, but we’d just end up rehashing variations of the same conversation. For simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on “Pre-Teen” (ages 3-12) and “Teen” (13-19), though you’ll need to adjust these guidelines based on your child’s individual development.

During those early years, less is definitely more. Your five-year-old doesn’t need a detailed explanation of the endocannabinoid system or terpene profiles. A simple “It’s Mommy’s medicine” or “It helps Daddy’s back pain” usually suffices. Kids this age are generally satisfied with straightforward, matter-of-fact explanations that fit within their understanding of the world.

However – and this is crucial – don’t fool yourself into thinking they’re not paying attention. Kids are like tiny surveillance cameras with unlimited storage capacity. They notice everything, even when you think they’re absorbed in their LEGOs or favorite cartoon.

I’ll never forget a scene I witnessed in San Pancho, a laid-back surf town in Mexico. At some local’s gathering, I watched in amazement as toddlers perfectly mimicked their cannabis-consuming parents – right down to the characteristic head bob, half-lidded eyes, and that unmistakable “stoned” expression. They weren’t judging; they were just doing what kids do best: observing and imitating.

This brings me to the most critical point about handling cannabis use during your children’s early years: it’s less about what you say and more about how you behave. Your actions will shape their perceptions far more than any explanation you provide.

If you can consume cannabis while maintaining your role as a responsible, present, and reliable parent – if you’re still helping with homework, making dinner, playing games, and being their rock of stability – then you’re sending the right message. Kids don’t need you to be perfect, but they do need you to be consistent and dependable.

The goal isn’t to hide your cannabis use but to demonstrate that it doesn’t fundamentally change who you are or your ability to be their parent. If you can maintain your composure, fulfill your responsibilities, and avoid turning into a stereotype (looking at you, couch-locked snack attackers), your kids are likely to view cannabis as just another aspect of adult life – no more dramatic or concerning than having a glass of wine with dinner.

This approach, combined with age-appropriate explanations, should carry you through the pre-teen years fairly smoothly. But fair warning: once those teenage years hit and complex reasoning kicks in, you’re in for a whole new ballgame. But we’ll get to that particular joy in a moment.

“You don’t pay her!” (Sorry, couldn’t resist the dad joke.) But all humor aside, welcome to the psychological warzone known as “The Teen Years.” If you thought explaining cannabis to your pre-teen was tricky, buckle up – you’re in for a wild ride.

What makes teenagers so different? In a word: everything. By thirteen, your sweet, accepting child has morphed into a walking paradox of complex reasoning and questionable decision-making. They’re developing their own opinions, challenging social norms, and thanks to the hormone monster residing in their developing brains, experiencing emotions with the intensity of a Michael Bay explosion.

Let’s be real – teenagers aren’t exactly operating at peak cognitive efficiency. And I say this with love, having been a spectacularly dumb teenager myself. Between raging hormones, peer pressure, and the desperate need to seem “cool,” their decision-making abilities often resemble a game of darts played blindfolded.

Here’s the kicker – at some point, your teen will encounter cannabis in the wild. Maybe at a party, behind the school gym, or through that one friend whose older brother “totally knows what he’s talking about.” They’ll be exposed to various narratives about weed, many of them wildly inaccurate. This is precisely why you need to step up your game and establish clear guidelines about responsible drug use.

Your message should be straightforward: Cannabis, like alcohol, is primarily for adults. Yes, it has medical applications for some young people, but recreational use should wait until their brains are fully developed. I recommend taking it a step further – tell them you’d love to be their first smoking buddy… when they’re old enough. This might sound counterintuitive, but it accomplishes two things: it acknowledges their future autonomy while establishing a clear boundary about present use.

This is also the time to have broader conversations about drugs in general. Don’t just stop at cannabis – discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. Talk about different substances, the people who use them, and the various situations they might encounter. Not to frighten them, but to prepare them for the real world they’re about to enter.

The goal isn’t to lecture but to equip them with knowledge and critical thinking skills. They’re going to face these situations without you present, and you want them prepared to make informed decisions.

However – and this is crucial – read the room. If your kid innocently asks why you use cannabis, maybe hold off on sharing that wild story about the time you ate an entire pizza while convinced your cat was plotting against you. Keep it age-appropriate and relevant to their level of curiosity.

Remember, you’re not just teaching them about cannabis – you’re modeling how to have mature, honest conversations about complex topics. And in the hormone-addled battlefield of adolescence, that’s worth its weight in gold.

Here’s a plot twist that might surprise you – today’s kids are actually more straight-edge than we were. They’re drinking less, experimenting with fewer drugs, and even putting off sex longer than previous generations. Who would’ve thought that unlimited access to TikTok and social media would make getting high seem less appealing?

The irony isn’t lost on me. Just as us former “rebellious stoners” have become responsible cannabis-consuming parents, our kids are more likely to be found coding an app than hotboxing behind the gym. And let’s be honest – that’s probably a good thing.

But this shift in youth behavior coincides with a massive transformation in how society views cannabis. The plant that once sparked nationwide panic is now as commonplace as craft beer in many states. The “devil’s lettuce” has gone mainstream, and with it, our need to have more nuanced, honest conversations with our kids about its use.

Being upfront about your cannabis consumption isn’t about promoting drug use – it’s about fostering trust and open dialogue with your children. By discussing your own use responsibly and age-appropriately, you’re not just explaining a plant; you’re teaching critical thinking, personal responsibility, and the importance of making informed decisions.

It’s time to ditch the old taboos and stop pretending our teenagers are living in a bubble of innocence. The world they’re growing up in is complex, often chaotic, and full of choices we never had to face. The best gift we can give them isn’t protection from these realities, but the knowledge and confidence to navigate them wisely.

Because ultimately, that’s what good parenting is about – not shielding our kids from the world, but preparing them to face it head-on, armed with understanding, wisdom, and the ability to make smart choices. Even if that means having some uncomfortable conversations about your own relationship with cannabis along the way.

Inspiration:

https://www.reddit.com/r/entwives/comments/1i4gtx7/

how_are_we_talking_to_our_kids_about_cannabis_use/

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The World’s Biggest Tobacco Company Is Quietly Entering The Weed Industry

What Does This Mean For The Future Of Weed?

From the 1950’s to the 1990’s, cigarettes were considered to be a ‘cool’ habit and somewhat of a fashion accessory globally.

There was even a time when Hollywood celebrities were photographed smoking, which made them seem like the epitome of sophistication. Big names including Humphrey Bogart and James Dean were pictured smoking, but it was also so common and accepted around the world. That did not last long, as eventually evidence that cigarettes killed people from cancer and other fatal health conditions became impossible to ignore.

While there were many names in Big Tobacco that helped popularize the consumption of cigarettes, and made it easy for people to get access to it, Philip Morris International (PMI) were one of the biggest players – and they still are, to this day. They own some of the most common cigarette brands that are consumed around the world, including Marlboro, Chesterfield, and L&M. Surely, one can blame PMI’s products for tempting people to make poor health choices that may have taken them to the grave…

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco smoking is responsible for the deaths of around 8 million people globally.

Yet, with the rise of cannabis, PMI wanted a piece of the pie.

The History Of Philip Morris’ Interests In Cannabis

If you’re only hearing about Big Tobacco’s interest in cannabis right now, you might be shocked to learn that their interest in weed goes as far back as 1969. There are some internal documents that prove PMI was interested in learning about the potential of cannabis. However, they were considering weed a competitor as well as a potential product.

In fact, a 1970 memo even shows that PMI acknowledges the possibility of marijuana legalization.

Fast forward to 2016, when PMI made a significant investment worth $20 million to an Israeli biotech firm specializing in medical cannabis, called Syqe Medical. At the time, Syqe was working on developing a medical marijuana inhaler which would provide metered dosing of weed for medical patients. According to the deal, Syqe Medical will also work on developing certain technologies that would enable Philip Morris to minimize the health effects caused by smoking.

By 2023, Philip Morris made a deal to acquire Syqe Medical for a cool $650 million, as long as there were certain conditions met. In a report by Calcalist, the deal features a number of milestones, though the bottom line is that if the inhaler developed by Syqe passes the clinical trials, PMI will then go ahead to buy all shares of the company for the aforementioned amount.

Another Silent Move Into The Weed Space

More recently, in January 2025, a press release was published detailing Vectura Fertin Pharma’s (VFP), a subsidiary of Philip Morris International, joint venture with a Canadian biotech firm focusing on cannabinoid-based drugs – Avicanna.

According to the press release, the joint venture seeks to promote cannabis accessibility and research. Avicanna already has a stronghold in the wellness sector. However, the press release hardly makes any other mention about the involvement of Philip Morris International, but it’s clear that Big Tobacco has long had their eye in the cannabis industry. Back in 2016, when they first got involved with Syqe Medical, it highlighted the firm’s interest in wellness, but the partnership with Avicanna cements that.

Changes In Consumer Perception And Habits

It only makes sense for Big Tobacco to pivot to cannabis – or wellness, in general. After all, if you can’t beat em, join em!

And it’s clear: for several years now, there has been a decrease in cigarette smoking; young adults are now shifting from tobacco, as well as alcohol, and increasing their cannabis consumption instead.

And Philip Morris isn’t the only player in Big Tobacco who’s expressed an interest in a slice of the (weed) pie. Back in 2017, American holding company Altria Group began moving away from cigarettes, with their $1.8 billion investment into the Cronos Group, a large Canadian cannabis company. Altria owns several big American companies including Philip Morris; so much so, that even their website now declares the tagline: “Moving Beyond Smoking”.

However, Altria faced issues due to regulatory concerns.

British American Tobacco (BAT) has also been interested in cannabis. For some time now, they’ve been researching weed products, particularly infusing CBD and THC into their electronic cigarettes which are sold under the Vuse and Vype brand names. In 2021, BAT began a trial launch of CBD products in the United Kingdom.

RJ Reynolds, which is also now under British American Tobacco, has also considered joining the weed industry. According to internal documents, RJ Reynolds has considered cannabis both an opportunity and a competitor as far back as the 1970s.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, cannabis isn’t a real threat to the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry simply shot itself on the foot – all it needed was time, to prove that it does indeed cause cancer and kill people. On the other hand, cannabis was a friend more than a foe: legalization and a growing consumption of weed proved its ability to save lives.

That said, the relationship between tobacco and weed continues to evolve. Through cannabis legalization, Big Tobacco can learn from the challenges and opportunities that cannabis had to go through. It can be said that one thing is clear, though: the drop in tobacco consumption is a major opportunity for cannabis, with more people looking to substitute tobacco with a healthier alternative.

As a response, we may continue to see tobacco companies investing in Big Cannabis – just as we’ve seen in the examples mentioned above. This partnership is fantastic news for both industries, and we can only hope to see more!  

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