Anti-Cannabis Doctor Criticizes Rescheduling Move

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) just added a familiar, though controversial, face to its team. Dr. Roneet Lev, an emergency physician with a history of staunch anti-cannabis views, is rejoining the office. Lev has previously labeled the term "medical cannabis" an insult to her profession and has been a vocal critic of the federal push to move marijuana to Schedule III. She’s even gone as far as linking use to serious mental health crises and comparing the industry’s growth to the opioid epidemic.

This move is a bit of a head-scratcher for the community, especially since other administration figures have shown more openness to reform. For everyday tokers, this appointment is a reminder that the path to full federal acceptance is still full of hurdles. While public opinion and even some top officials are leaning toward sensible rescheduling, having a high-level advisor who views the plant as a public health crisis means the "suit-and-tie" side of DC is still very much a battlefield. It highlights why staying informed and vocal about our community’s progress is more important than ever.