Latest news with #MMJInternationalHoldings
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DEA's Marijuana Double Standard: Attorney Aarathi Haig Flouts Ethics Laws While Blocking MMJ's Cannabis Research
Duane Boise CEO of MMJ International Holdings stated, 'When private citizens or companies fall short of compliance, the DEA acts swiftly and decisively. The question is, why is there no comparable urgency when the failure comes from within the DEA's own ranks? The agency's silence on this matter is not just a public relations problem—it's a breach of public trust.' WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the federal agency tasked with enforcing the nation's controlled substances laws, now finds itself in the center of a growing controversy that threatens its credibility. The issue isn't just about the bureaucratic delays that have stalled vital medical marijuana research, it's about the integrity of the individuals charged with upholding the law. Aarathi Haig, the DEA attorney representing the agency in a high-profile lawsuit filed by MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, is currently listed as ineligible to practice law in New Jersey. Her lapsed status, with continuing legal education (CLE), IOLTA, and mandatory fee obligations, flies in the face of both state and federal ethics requirements. This isn't a clerical error, it's a serious breach of professional conduct that calls into question the agency's oversight and ethical standards. According to 28 U.S.C. § 530B, federal attorneys are required to abide by the ethical rules of the states in which they are licensed. Haig's inability to maintain good standing with the New Jersey Bar is a direct violation of this statute. The Department of Justice's own Ethics Handbook outlines fundamental principles which are honesty, integrity and adherence to the law which are undermined when an attorney fails to meet even the most basic professional obligations. This is Not a Minor Technicality MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, a company seeking to develop cannabis-based pharmaceuticals for Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, has waited 7 years for DEA approval to conduct its research. The agency's delays have prompted a federal lawsuit, and now we learn that its legal representative may not even be ethically authorized to appear in court? This development not only bolsters MMJ's case, but paints a troubling picture of selective enforcement and double standards. Duane Boise CEO of MMJ International Holdings stated, 'When private citizens or companies fall short of compliance, the DEA acts swiftly and decisively. The question is why is there no comparable urgency when the failure comes from within the DEA's own ranks? The agency's silence on this matter is not just a public relations problem, it's a breach of public trust'. The Public Deserves Answers Has the DEA taken disciplinary action? Has Haig been removed from the case? What mechanisms exist within the DEA to ensure their attorneys meet the same standards the agency enforces on others? Congress must act. Oversight hearings should be convened, and the DEA should be held accountable not only for its handling of MMJ's application, but for its internal ethical failures. The revelations about Haig, offer a rare glimpse into an agency in need of reform that ensures fairness, transparency and accountability at all levels. At a time when the nation is reconsidering its policy approach to cannabis, we must also reconsider who is enforcing the law, and whether they are living up to the standards they demand of others. When the enforcers themselves become the violators, the law loses its moral authority. Madison Hisey 203-231-8583
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEA's Diversion Division - Patterns of MMJ's Marijuana Court Case Obstruction, Bias, and Corruption
DEA Patterns of Obstruction and Corruption MMJ Alleged in Court Hearing: Spotlight on DEA officialsAnne Milgram, Thomas Prevoznik and Matthew Strait WASHINGTON, DC / / April 3, 2025 / The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently under intense scrutiny following allegations of systematic obstruction and corruption within its Diversion Control Division. Central figures in these allegations include Anne Milgram, past DEA Administrator, Thomas Prevoznik Deputy Administrator and Matthew Strait Policy Administrator, and other senior officials within the division, whose actions are now being questioned in light of ongoing legal challenges and accusations from industry stakeholders. Background of Allegations The Diversion Control Division, responsible for regulating controlled pharmaceuticals and processing MMJ BioPharma Cultivations API Bulk Manufacturing Application, has been accused of deliberately delaying and obstructing the approval processes for companies attempting to conduct legitimate medical research. Duane Boise CEO of MMJ International Holdings, specifically, has pointed to these obstructionist tactics in its lawsuit against the DEA, highlighting the agency's failure to process its applications for cannabis research intended for treatments of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's Disease (HD). Specific DEA Allegations Against Thomas Prevoznik and Matthew Strait Thomas Prevoznik and Matthew Strait have been implicated in what appears to be a broader pattern of behavior that critics label as both obstructive and corrupt. These allegations include: Unjustified Delays: MMJ International Holdings claims that these officials have been instrumental in the multi-year delays of their application to cultivate pharmaceutical-grade marijuana, necessary for their ongoing clinical trials. Manipulative Practices: Accusations extend to manipulative legal and administrative practices aimed at stalling or derailing the approval processes. This includes alleged misinterpretations of regulatory requirements and the arbitrary application of standards not uniformly imposed. Judicial Reactions and Legal Implications The actions of Prevoznik, Strait, and other DEA officials have not only drawn criticism from the companies affected but have also led to judicial rebuke. Recent court proceedings have spotlighted the possible defiance of judicial orders by DEA administrators, as highlighted in the case where DEA Administrator Anne Milgram was accused of instructing attorneys to disregard a court order. This incident has raised serious questions about the integrity of the DEA's regulatory processes and the legality of its internal directives. Systemic Issues Within the DEA The allegations against Prevoznik and Strait are symptomatic of what many critics describe as a systemic issue within the DEA's Diversion Control Division. This includes: Cultural Resistance to Cannabis Research: Despite changing laws and societal attitudes towards cannabis, elements within the DEA reportedly maintain a prohibitionist stance that is increasingly at odds with federal and state policies. Conflicts of Interest: The DEA's role in both policing illegal drug use and regulating pharmaceutical research creates inherent conflicts of interest, particularly when it comes to substances like cannabis, where the agency's enforcement priorities may unduly influence its regulatory decisions. President Trump Calls for Reform In response to these ongoing issues, there are growing calls for substantial reforms within the DEA, particularly concerning its handling of cannabis research. Proposals include: Restructuring the Diversion Control Division: Advocates suggest restructuring the division to better separate its enforcement and regulatory functions. Enhanced Oversight and Transparency: Increasing oversight from independent bodies or federal courts and improving transparency in the regulatory processes. Future Outlook As legal proceedings continue and more details emerge, the actions of Thomas Prevoznik, Matthew Strait, and other associated DEA officials will remain under a microscope. The outcome of these cases could lead to significant changes in how the DEA manages its responsibilities and could influence broader federal policies regarding drug enforcement and pharmaceutical research. The ongoing scrutiny of the DEA's Diversion Control Division highlights a critical moment in U.S. drug policy, particularly concerning the balance between enforcement and facilitating medical advancements. Stakeholders across the pharmaceutical and legal landscapes are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing their potential to reshape the future of drug research and regulation in the United States. MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan. CONTACT:Madison Hiseymhisey@ SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEA Forces Marijuana Pharma Drug Industry Offshore: A Symbol of DEA Systemic Obstruction Against Trump Administration Directives
"The DEA's marijuana approach is stuck in an outdated 'war on drugs' mentality," said Duane Boise CEO of MMJ International Holdings. "While lawmakers push for medical progress, the DEA's red tape is suffocating innovation." DEA officials, including Matt Strait and Thomas Prevoznik, have been accused of imposing unnecessary hurdles, such as slow-walking API Bulk Manufacturing registrations, and imposing opaque approval processes while patients continue to suffer. WASHINGTON, DC / / March 30, 2025 / As the Trump administration pushes to reshore pharmaceutical manufacturing through aggressive tariffs and trade policies, a less visible but equally critical challenge persists: the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) stringent regulations. Critics argue that the agency's bureaucratic delays and restrictive oversight are not only hindering medical research but also driving pharmaceutical companies overseas , undermining domestic innovation and economic goals. The MMJ Marijuana Case: A Symbol of DEA Systemic Obstruction At the heart of this debate is a high-stakes legal battle between MMJ International Holdings and the DEA . The company, which specializes in cannabis-based treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease , alleges that the DEA has unlawfully delayed approvals for cultivating proprietary marijuana strains needed for research and drug development. These delays, MMJ claims, have delayed FDA clinical trials for its flagship drug, MMJ-002, and reflect a broader bias against cannabis-derived medicines. The lawsuit also challenges the constitutionality of protections for Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), who oversee DEA cases. MMJ argues that these protections insulate ALJs from accountability, allowing inefficiency and bias to fester. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently backed this view, declaring ALJ removal safeguards unconstitutiona l - a move that will force the DEA to operate with greater transparency and responsiveness. Regulatory Delays vs. Legislative Progress The DEA's actions stand in stark contrast to recent legislative efforts aimed at advancing medical research. Laws like the Right to Try Act and the Medical Marijuana Research Expansion Act were designed to streamline access to experimental treatments and expand cannabis studies. However, DEA officials, including Matt Strait and Thomas Prevoznik , have been accused of imposing unnecessary hurdles, such as slow-walking cultivation licenses and imposing opaque approval processes. "The DEA's approach is stuck in an outdated 'war on drugs' mentality," said Duane Boise CEO of MMJ International Holdings. "While lawmakers push for medical progress, the agency's red tape is suffocating innovation." DEA Driving Pharma Offshore The DEA's sluggish processes are exacerbating a growing trend: pharmaceutical companies relocating operations to countries with friendlier regulatory climates. Canada, Germany, and Israel-nations with clearer pathways for cannabis research-have emerged as hubs for drug development, luring American firms deterred by U.S. bureaucracy. "Every month of delay costs millions and risks losing talent overseas," noted a CEO of a biotech startup. "The DEA's inefficiency is a competitive disadvantage for the U.S." Broader Implications for DEA Accountability MMJ's case could set a precedent for reforming how federal agencies operate. If the court sides with MMJ, agencies like the DEA will face increased executive oversight, potentially dismantling systemic inefficiencies. This shift could revitalize sectors reliant on timely approvals, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotechnology. The Cannabis Conundrum Critics argue that the DEA's resistance to cannabis research is particularly shortsighted. With 38 states legalizing medical marijuana and global markets for cannabis-based therapies projected to reach $55 billion by 2027, the U.S. risks ceding leadership in a burgeoning industry. "The DEA is clinging to stigma over science," said Duane Boise an advocate for Pharmaceutical marijuana. "Patients are paying the price." A Crossroads for U.S. Pharma and Marijuana Drug Development The outcome of MMJ's lawsuit could determine whether the U.S. retains its edge in pharmaceutical innovation. A win for MMJ International Holdings will catalyze regulatory reforms, aligning the DEA with legislative and public sentiment. Conversely, a loss could accelerate the offshoring of research and production, leaving American patients dependent on foreign-developed treatments. As the Trump administration champions "America First" trade policies, the DEA's role as an inadvertent roadblock highlights a stark contradiction . Without regulatory modernization, tariffs alone may fail to reverse the pharmaceutical exodus-or unlock the potential of groundbreaking therapies. The Bottom Line: The DEA's regulatory inertia is more than a bureaucratic hiccup; it's a critical threat to U.S. medical innovation and economic competitiveness. As legal and political battles unfold, the agency's ability to adapt may well decide the future of American pharmaceutical leadership. For updates on this evolving story and its impact on cannabis research and federal accountability, follow our ongoing coverage. MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan . CONTACT: Madison Hisey mhisey@ 203-231-8583 SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
