DEA obstructs medical cannabis development despite federal compliance
- The DEA has repeatedly obstructed MMJ BioPharma's efforts to obtain necessary licensing for medical cannabis cultivation.
- The agency continues to face allegations of intentional sabotage against compliant pharmaceutical researchers as cartels operate unchecked.
- Critics are calling for accountability and Congress to intervene, citing the urgent need for reform and patient access to effective treatments.
In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration has faced criticism for its actions regarding medical cannabis research. As of May 2025, MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, which holds two FDA-accepted Investigational New Drug applications and an Orphan Drug Designation for Huntington's disease, has had its request for a Schedule I Bulk Manufacturing License delayed for more than seven years. This delay has sparked concern among advocates for medical reform, as it impedes the progress of pharmaceutical developments that could significantly benefit patients suffering from serious conditions. Recent statements by former officials, including former White House Drug Czar Rahul Gupta, have highlighted issues of intentional sabotage within the agency, raising questions about the motivations behind the DEA's regulatory practices. The DEA's own assessments acknowledge the prevalence of illicit cannabis operations linked to foreign cartels operating under state licenses, further complicating the landscape. The agency's continued resistance to rescheduling cannabis and its administrative procedures, which have been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, suggest a troubling defiance of legal norms and established policies. This situation highlights a broader crisis where dedicated medical researchers must navigate a bureaucratic maze that directly impacts patients in need of effective treatment options. Amidst this turmoil, MMJ BioPharma's CEO Duane Boise has called for greater accountability and oversight, asserting that the DEA's current practices represent a significant threat to scientific advancement and public health.