Maltz, has made a number of statements regarding cannabis, particularly emphasizing its perceived dangers and criticizing the current rescheduling efforts.
Here are some key quotes and positions .. rocky road ahead?
- On cannabis use and school shootings: Maltz has linked “obsessive pot smoking” to school shootings, stating, “For all the irresponsible politicians trying to get votes by legalizing marijuana, maybe it’s time to understand the NEGATIVE IMPACTS from smoking this crap!” He further claimed that there are people rushing to emergency rooms due to cannabis-related issues and that there is an increase in information connecting school shooters to excessive marijuana use.
- Criticism of marijuana rescheduling: He has been vocal about his belief that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has “hijacked” the marijuana rescheduling process, stating, “It sure seems to me that DOJ has prioritized politics and votes over public health and safety!” Maltz has expressed concern that this interference undermines the scientific evaluation necessary for making informed decisions about cannabis
- Health risks associated with modern cannabis: Maltz has warned about the increased potency of THC in contemporary cannabis compared to previous decades. He noted that “the average percentage of THC…has been steadily increasing and reached an ALL-TIME HIGH!” He raised alarms about the health risks associated with high-concentration THC products, including potential mental health issues like psychosis and anxiety
- Concerns about illegal operations: He frequently highlights the risks posed by illegal marijuana operations, particularly those linked to Chinese trafficking organizations. Maltz stated, “This is at the same time the CHINESE CRIMINALS ARE INVADING THE COUNTRY AT RECORD LEVELS AND SETTING UP GROW OPERATIONS ALL OVER AMERICA!”.
The Press Release
Maltz is a passionate, dedicated, career special agent who served 28 years at DEA before retiring in 2014. He also proudly served as the Chief of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, the country’s oldest and largest drug task force. Most recently Maltz worked in the private sector.
Maltz is renowned for his relentless drive, strategic acumen, and no-nonsense approach. As DEA Acting Administrator, he is responsible for leading the enforcement, intelligence, regulatory, and awareness efforts of the agency.
During his career at DEA, Maltz spent nearly a decade leading DEA’s Special Operations Division and transforming DEA’s work with international law enforcement partners. His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining momentum as DEA continues to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking networks responsible for flooding the United States with dangerous drugs such as fentanyl. Today, DEA’s foreign footprint remains one of the largest among federal agencies.
“This appointment is the honor of my lifetime. I promise to lead the men and women of DEA with integrity and grit. DEA will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of the cartels who threaten this great nation,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz. “DEA is positioned to lead the nation’s drug enforcement and intelligence efforts, working closely within the federal, state and local partners, to seize record amounts of illicit drugs; bring the world’s most ruthless narco-terrorists to justice; and save American lives by creating a vast network of community partners to help spread critical awareness. We want every American to understand the threat we face and know exactly how DEA is working to protect you.”
A proud public servant, Maltz has always put the safety and security of the American people above all else. One of Maltz’ greatest attributes is his ability to bring people together to create a lasting impact. Maltz has worked closely with families affected by fentanyl to spread awareness, and he vows to use the resources of the federal government, along with our valued state and local partners, to further promote awareness efforts and turn the tide on the devastating drug crisis facing the United States.
While Maltz has long advocated for families, he has also been a champion of law enforcement’s fight against global drug trafficking and terrorism. In 2023, Maltz testified at the United States House Judiciary Committee meeting The Fentanyl Crisis in America: Inaction is No Longer An Option. Maltz also appeared in front of the Ohio State Legislature in 2019 in a hearing held to advise on the designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
As a result of his leadership, Maltz has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Presidential Rank Award for his accomplishments throughout his law enforcement career. Maltz is a proud graduate of Syracuse University.
