DEA Promotes Claim That Marijuana Causes Depression And Suicide, Shortly After New Administrator Is Sworn In

OG Article By Kyle Jaeger Watch Today's LIVE Episode on X, and Rumble

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Augest 1, 2025

The DEA is at it again, warning against cannabis use just days after Terrance Cole was confirmed as its new head.

What Happened?

On Friday, the DEA’s Get Smart About Drugs site shared a Psychology Today article by Yale professor Mark Gold. Titled “Cannabis Use Increases Depressive and Suicidal Thinking,” it claims cannabis can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in youth.

Key Points from the Article

• Many states have legalized medical cannabis, calling it a “medicine” without FDA-style testing.

• Gold says cannabis lacks solid research and may worsen mental health, ignoring thousands of studies on its risks and benefits.

• The article suggests cannabis use should be checked in depressed patients as a suicide risk factor.

Prohibitionist Support

The anti-cannabis group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) praises Gold, calling him a top expert. SAM opposes the DEA’s pending cannabis rescheduling proposal.

DEA’s Mixed Signals

Cole promised to focus on cannabis rescheduling during his confirmation but didn’t mention it in his first policy priorities. Meanwhile, the DEA keeps pushing anti-cannabis campaigns:

• Last week, it used “World Emoji Day” to share a guide linking emojis to drug use.

• In May, during “National Prevention Week,” it promoted memes from Johnny’s Ambassadors, a group claiming cannabis led to their child’s suicide.

• In 2023, the DEA suggested kids become Instagram influencers instead of using drugs.

What’s Next?

Advocates are watching Cole closely. Will the DEA shift toward science-based cannabis policy, or stick to scare tactics? With rescheduling stalled, the agency’s next moves are unclear.