Matthew Zorn, a prominent attorney known for his legal battles advocating for cannabis and psychedelics reform, is set to join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Zorn’s historical involvement in lawsuits against federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and HHS itself, positions him to influence policy changes related to cannabis rescheduling and psychedelic therapies.
Zorn has represented various groups, including scientists and military veterans, in efforts to reform drug policies. His new role as deputy general counsel at HHS marks a shift from litigation to policy development, focusing on psychedelics, a sector that has gained traction in recent years.
Reportedly referred to as the “psychedelics czar” internally, Zorn’s appointment aligns with the Biden administration’s ongoing discussions around cannabis and psychedelics. His experience includes a notable Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit that resulted in the release of HHS’s scientific review on marijuana and its recommendation for reclassification.
In addition to his work on cannabis, Zorn has been involved in cases advocating for the medical use of psilocybin, particularly for cancer patients in end-of-life care. A recent federal appellate court ruling sided with the DEA in a case he pursued. Zorn has also been instrumental in efforts to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), representing a coalition of doctors seeking to advance this goal.
The transition of Zorn from a litigator to a policymaker highlights a broader trend within the Trump administration, wherein officials are increasingly open to exploring psychedelic treatments for veterans suffering from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously expressed support for legalizing psychedelic therapies and has advocated for their potential to assist military personnel.
Other officials, such as the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have also emphasized the importance of researching psychedelics like psilocybin and ibogaine for therapeutic purposes. In a recent statement, the FDA leader identified the exploration of psychedelic medicine as a priority, particularly for veterans dealing with trauma from combat.
VA Secretary Doug Collins has publicly committed to investigating psychedelic therapies as treatment options for veterans. He noted during a congressional hearing that preliminary studies show promising results in improving outcomes for veterans with PTSD and TBI when combined with intensive counseling.
Kennedy Jr. has made statements during his presidential campaign about supporting policies that would legalize both cannabis and psychedelics. He has suggested using tax revenues from these substances to fund recovery programs and proposed creating “healing centers” to support individuals recovering from addiction.
As Zorn steps into his new role, he may encounter requests for transparency regarding the administration’s plans for cannabis and psychedelics, a shift from his previous role as a legal challenger to these agencies. His unique background could facilitate a more open dialogue on drug policy reform within the government.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech