A former advisor to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly accused Susie Wiles, President Trump's former chief of staff, of directly influencing White House policy on hemp-derived THC products.
The allegation raises questions about the internal dynamics that led to the administration's controversial stance on hemp THC, which has divided the cannabis industry and state regulators for months. The accusation comes from an advisor who worked closely with Kennedy on health policy matters before departing the administration.
Wiles, who served as Trump's chief of staff until her departure earlier this year, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The White House declined to provide details about her involvement in hemp policy decisions.
Industry Impact
The hemp THC market has grown into a multi-billion dollar sector since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives. Products containing delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids have proliferated in gas stations, convenience stores, and online retailers across the country.
But the regulatory landscape has been chaotic. Some states have moved to ban or restrict these products, while others have embraced them as legal alternatives to traditional cannabis. Federal agencies, including the DEA and FDA, have issued conflicting guidance on their legality.
The Trump administration's position on hemp THC has been inconsistent. While the former president signed the Farm Bill that opened the door to these products, his administration later signaled support for tighter restrictions. The allegations suggest that internal policy debates were more contentious than previously known.
The Kennedy Connection
Kennedy's appointment as Health Secretary surprised many in the cannabis industry. Known for his vaccine skepticism and alternative health advocacy, Kennedy has been less vocal about cannabis policy. His advisor's public accusation against Wiles suggests tension between different factions within the administration.
The advisor, whose identity has not been disclosed in initial reports, reportedly left the administration over disagreements about the direction of hemp policy. The specific nature of Wiles' alleged interference has not been detailed, but the accusation implies she pushed for stricter controls on hemp THC products.
What's Next
The hemp industry has been waiting for clear federal guidance on THC derivatives for years. The FDA has repeatedly delayed issuing rules for CBD products, let alone the more controversial intoxicating cannabinoids derived from hemp.
Congress has also struggled to address the issue. Several bills have been introduced to clarify the legal status of hemp THC products, but none have advanced significantly. Industry groups have called for a regulatory framework that protects consumers without eliminating legal hemp products.
The allegations about Wiles' involvement are unlikely to change policy immediately, but they highlight the ongoing political battles over cannabis regulation. With both hemp and traditional cannabis industries growing rapidly, these internal disputes could shape federal policy for years to come.
The cannabis industry continues to operate in a gray area, caught between state-level legalization and federal prohibition. Hemp THC products exist in an even murkier space, technically legal under the Farm Bill but subject to varying interpretations by federal agencies and state governments.
This article is based on original reporting by mjbizdaily.com.
