The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appeared to signal his support for marijuana decriminalization on Friday.
Appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb discussed the agency’s support for scientific research into cannabis, shared thoughts about recreational marijuana use and offered his perspective on the state of federal marijuana laws.
Gottlieb started the interview by explaining that the FDA has approved synthetic versions of cannabinoids and pharmaceutical-grade derivatives of marijuana—and arguing that those products are preferable to using botanical cannabis for medical purposes. He outlined his concerns about the impact of natural marijuana on the lungs and developing brain.
Pressed to weigh in on whether alcohol is more, less or similarly harmful to marijuana, Gottlieb demurred, saying he doesn’t think “it’s appropriate” to make comparisons between the two because the recreational “use patterns” are different.