DEA Denies Allegations Of Colluding With Anti-Marijuana Group While Involved In Cannabis Rescheduling Process
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has denied accusations of improper communication with cannabis prohibitionist group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) during the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling process.
In a recent filing reported by Marijuana Moment, the agency dismissed these allegations as “gossip.” While the DEA admitted to the communication, it argued they were no unlawful ex parte and that no harm was done and therefore, the motion by Village Farms International (NASDAQ:VFF) and Hemp for Victory should be dismissed.
Allegations Of Misconduct
Part of the accusations stem from social media posts by SAM president and CEO Kevin Sabet.
In a post May 6, 2024 on X, Sabet admitted to having conversations with “two confidential sources inside DEA.” Sabet said these discussions provided inside information about the agency’s stance on marijuana rescheduling, including a claim that DEA Administrator Anne Milgram would not approve a proposed rule.
This post was presented as evidence by cannabis advocacy groups to support their broader claim that the DEA holds a contradictory position, …