Why the new acting DEA chief might disappoint drug policy reformers

Noelle Skodzinski

May 14, 2015

As a US attorney, the new acting head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration enthusiastically enforced drug sentencing laws that contributed to racial disparities in the criminal justice system and the war on drugs.

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Wednesday named Chuck Rosenberg, the FBI director's chief of staff, to replace current DEA Chief Michele Leonhart, USA Today's Kevin Johnson reported. Leonhart is resigning following allegations that DEA agents in Colombia took part in sex parties funded in part by drug cartels.

Nebraska Governor Approves Emergency Regulations for Medical Cannabis Market

10 Alabama CBD Stores, Vape Shops Raided; 4 Hemp Businesses Sue State

California Cannabis Excise Tax Hike Takes Effect as Consumers Face Mounting Cost-of-Living Crisis

Thailand Takes U-Turn on Cannabis Decriminalization, Reinstalls Drug Penalties

Nebraska Governor Approves Emergency Regulations for Medical Cannabis Market

State regulators plan to prohibit smoking, combustion and vaping, but a formal rulemaking process is underway before an October licensing deadline.

Adobe Stock | goodmanphoto

10 Alabama CBD Stores, Vape Shops Raided; 4 Hemp Businesses Sue State

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and other agencies executed search warrants as a new law banning certain hemp products is set to take effect July 1.

Alabama State Bureau of Investigation Major Crimes Chief Shawn Loughridge (center) talks about a multiagency operation that executed a series of warrants and seizures on June 23 at 10 CBD stores and vape shops in five cities.

California Cannabis Excise Tax Hike Takes Effect as Consumers Face Mounting Cost-of-Living Crisis

The excise tax increase will drive more Californians to the unlicensed market; Assembly Bill 564 offers a path to roll back the policy.

Money Mj 371005338

Thailand Takes U-Turn on Cannabis Decriminalization, Reinstalls Drug Penalties

The Southeast Asia nation is tightening up its cannabis laws by recriminalizing non-medical sales three years after pioneering reform.

Two female tourists shopping for marijuana at a legal cannabis shop in Pattaya, Thailand, and smelling product.

US Lawmaker Who Lost Limbs in War Convinces House to Allow Veteran Access to Cannabis

The U.S. House voted to attach Rep. Brian Mast’s amendment—to allow Veterans Affairs to prescribe medical cannabis—to a military funding bill.

U.S. House Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., discusses the lack of veteran access to medical cannabis on June 25 on the chamber's floor.

US House’s Intoxicating Hemp Ban, Texas Gubernatorial Clash Lead CBT’s Most Popular Stories in June

Legislation to close a 2018 Farm Bill ‘loophole’ is being prepared for the House floor, while Texas will decide whether to ban or regulate hemp in a special session.

Top10 June2025

Circuit Court Ruling for Arkansas Renders Texas Governor’s Hemp Veto Argument Moot

The Eighth Circuit Court ruled that the 2018 Farm Bill does not preempt a state’s ability to regulate hemp after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a bill to ban it.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (left) and Gov. Greg Abbott could lock horns over whether to ban or regulate intoxicating hemp products in an upcoming special session after a key federal court ruling was issued June 24 in Arkansas.

US House Committee Approves Bill to Close THCA ‘Loophole,’ Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products

The House Appropriations Committee included a provision to redefine hemp and regulate finished products in a must-pass spending bill.

U.S. House Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.

Texas Governor Vetoes Ban on Hemp Products, Calls For Special Session to Regulate THC

Gov. Greg Abbott’s disapproval of Senate Bill 3 collides with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s prohibition policy. ‘We can do better,’ Abbott says.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Senate Bill 3, legislation that would have banned intoxicating hemp products

South Dakota to Crack Down on Synthetic Hemp Product Sales Starting July 14

The State’s Attorney’s Office in Pennington County issued a warning to a cannabis business that government agencies will begin enforcing a 2024 statute.

Hemp P Roducts 412628747 Editorial Use Only

Pennsylvania Governor Holds Tight to Cannabis Legalization in Budget Negotiations

Gov. Josh Shapiro calls adult-use legalization a ‘competitiveness’ issue as he spars with Senate Republicans over reforming the state’s laws.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro talks about legalizing adult-use cannabis through the state budget during his June 18 visit to the Lancaster City Housing Authority.

Texas Hemp Advocates Nearing 150,000 Signatures Urging Gov. Abbott to Veto SB 3

The governor has until June 22 to sign, veto or file the legislation to ban intoxicating hemp products without his signature.

Page 1 of 487