Memos and emails obtained by Buzzfeed News show the current administration attempting to reverse positive public support of cannabis. In August BuzzFeed News reported on a secretive marijuana committee operated by the White House with the purpose of spreading negative attitudes toward marijuana and portraying the plant as dangerous. Buzzfeed says the Trump administration was evasive when BuzzFeed News attempted to confirm reports on the secretive marijuana committee. But Buzzfeed News now reports that:
…the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has acknowledged the committee’s existence in a letter to a Democratic senator seeking information in light of BuzzFeed News’ report.”
The Marijuana Policy Coordination Committee was reportedly directed to ignore positive health effects and societal benefits of marijuana use. But The Hill reports that the White House denies only seeking negative information on marijuana:
“I assure you that ONDCP seeks all perspectives, positive or negative, when formulating Administration policy. You have my full and firm commitment that ONDCP will be completely objective and dispassionate in collecting all relevant facts and peer-reviewed scientific research on all drugs, including marijuana.” – ONDCP acting Director James Carroll wrote in a letter sent to Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet.
BuzzFeed News reported in August on memos sent to federal agencies seeking only negative information on marijuana. The memos asked for data that shows only “the most significant negative trends” on cannabis. The committee stated in one memo it wanted to reverse the trend of increasing marijuana usage.
Staff believe that if the administration is to turn the tide on increasing marijuana use there is an urgent need to message the facts about the negative impacts of marijuana use, production, and trafficking on national health, safety, and security.” – quoted from comittee meeting summery, posted on Buzzfeed News