In a twist that could rival the most gripping political dramas, Matthew Zorn, an attorney renowned for his relentless pursuit of transparency in federal drug policy, has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as deputy general counsel under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Zorn, once a thorn in the side of federal agencies, is now poised to influence the very system he challenged, with a focus on psychedelics reform. His journey from courtroom crusader to federal insider marks a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of cannabis and psychedelic policy in the United States.

Zorn’s legal battles have been nothing short of audacious. He gained national attention for his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits, which forced the HHS to disclose critical documents related to marijuana rescheduling. In 2023, his efforts culminated in the release of a pivotal HHS recommendation to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), a move that acknowledged marijuana’s medical potential and lower abuse risk compared to drugs like heroin. This victory was not just a legal triumph but a cultural shift, signaling a departure from decades of prohibitionist dogma. Zorn’s lawsuits also targeted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), compelling the agency to reveal communications with prohibitionist groups, exposing potential biases in the rescheduling process.

Now, as part of the Trump administration’s HHS, Zorn is dubbed the “psychedelics czar” by sources within the agency, a nod to his new role in shaping policy around substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. This appointment is particularly intriguing given the irony: Zorn, who once hounded federal lawyers with FOIA requests, may now field similar demands for transparency about the administration’s plans for cannabis and psychedelics. His expertise, honed at the University of Houston School of Law where he taught cannabis and psychedelics law, positions him uniquely to navigate this complex terrain.

The Psychedelic Renaissance Meets Federal Bureaucracy

The timing of Zorn’s appointment aligns with a growing national interest in psychedelics as therapeutic tools. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during his presidential campaign, advocated for legalizing marijuana and psychedelics, proposing regulated access and using tax revenue to fund “healing centers” for addiction recovery. His vision, though not fully realized, reflects a broader cultural shift. Studies, such as one published in Nature in 2023, have shown MDMA’s efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms, while Zorn himself has represented a Washington State doctor seeking to use psilocybin for end-of-life care. Despite a federal court ruling against the doctor in February 2025, the case underscored the potential of psychedelics in addressing unmet medical needs.

Zorn’s role at HHS could accelerate research and policy reform, but it’s not without challenges. The DEA, which retains final authority over scheduling decisions, has historically resisted change. In April 2025, the DEA delayed marijuana rescheduling hearings, citing concerns from its acting administrator, who labeled cannabis a “gateway drug.” This resistance highlights the bureaucratic hurdles Zorn will face, even as an insider. His prior lawsuits, including one that extracted over 250 pages of redacted HHS documents, demonstrate his tenacity in confronting such obstacles.

Cannabis Policy: A Tangled Web of Progress and Pushback

The rescheduling of marijuana, a process Zorn helped catalyze, remains a contentious issue. The HHS’s 2023 recommendation to move cannabis to Schedule III was a historic acknowledgment of its medical value, supported by over 30,000 healthcare practitioners in 38 states with medical marijuana programs. Yet, the process has stalled. As of May 2025, the DEA has not finalized the rescheduling, prompting lawsuits from groups like Protect the Public’s Trust, which allege HHS violated FOIA laws by withholding related records. Meanwhile, prohibitionist groups like Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) are raising funds to challenge the reform, warning of public health risks.

This ongoing battle has implications for industries beyond traditional cannabis. The rise of marijuana drinks online, marijuana drinks wholesale, and marijuana drinks white label markets reflects the growing consumer demand for innovative cannabis products. These beverages, infused with THC or CBD, are sold in states with legal markets, offering a discreet alternative to smoking. The wholesale and white-label sectors, in particular, have seen growth, with companies like Mr. Cannabis Law advising entrepreneurs on navigating regulatory complexities. Rescheduling could ease federal restrictions, allowing these businesses to claim tax deductions under IRS code 280E, potentially saving the $34 billion cannabis industry hundreds of millions annually.

From Courtroom to Policy Room: Zorn’s Unique Perspective

Zorn’s transition from litigator to policymaker is a masterclass in irony. His FOIA lawsuits not only exposed government processes but also built his reputation as a dogged advocate. In 2024, he obtained a heavily redacted HHS letter recommending marijuana rescheduling, a document that sparked national debate. Now, as deputy general counsel, he’ll likely shape how HHS responds to similar transparency demands. His experience representing a coalition of doctors pushing for cannabis reform gives him insight into the medical community’s needs, while his psychedelic advocacy aligns with emerging research on substances like psilocybin for mental health treatment.

The political landscape adds another layer of complexity. Kennedy’s support for cannabis and psychedelics contrasts with the DEA’s conservative stance under Trump’s nominee, Terrance Cole, who has linked marijuana to psychosis and youth suicide risks. Zorn’s role will require navigating these tensions, balancing scientific evidence with political realities. His appointment suggests a potential shift in HHS’s approach, possibly prioritizing therapeutic access over punitive enforcement.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Zorn’s work at HHS could redefine federal drug policy, but the path is fraught with obstacles. The DEA’s resistance, coupled with congressional pushback—such as a bill from two GOP senators to block tax deductions for cannabis businesses—signals ongoing opposition. Meanwhile, public support for reform is strong: a 2024 poll found 90% of Americans back medical marijuana, though only 25% support psychedelic legalization. This gap suggests Zorn’s psychedelic focus may face greater scrutiny than his cannabis efforts.

The burgeoning marijuana drinks online market, alongside marijuana drinks wholesale and marijuana drinks white label sectors, underscores the economic stakes. These industries, thriving in states like Colorado and California, could benefit immensely from rescheduling, which would reduce tax burdens and legitimize interstate commerce. Zorn’s legal acumen, honed through years of challenging federal agencies, could help streamline regulations, fostering innovation in these markets.

A Catalyst for Change in a Shifting Landscape

Matthew Zorn’s journey from suing the HHS to serving within it is a testament to the fluidity of drug policy reform. His appointment as deputy general counsel, with a focus on psychedelics, positions him to influence a system long resistant to change. As the marijuana drinks online, marijuana drinks wholesale, and marijuana drinks white label markets continue to grow, Zorn’s work could pave the way for broader acceptance of cannabis and psychedelics, both medically and economically. While challenges remain—bureaucratic inertia, political opposition, and public skepticism—Zorn’s track record suggests he’s ready to tackle them. In a field where progress is measured in decades, his role at HHS may just be the spark needed to ignite a new era of drug policy reform.

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Reference:

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2.    Elsouri, K., Kalhori, S., Colunge, D., Grabarczyk, G., Hanna, G., Carrasco, C., … & Beckler, M. (2022). Psychoactive drugs in the management of post traumatic stress disorder: a promising new horizon. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.25235

Madero, S. and Alvarez, O. (2023). Premise, promise and challenges of mdma assisted therapy for ptsd. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 70, 19-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.02.002