The recent nomination of Mike Stuart as the top health lawyer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a major blow to the progress we've made in the hemp and cannabis industries. Stuart, who previously served as a U.S. Attorney in West Virginia, has repeatedly made outdated and misleading claims about cannabis. In 2018, he went so far as to call modern cannabis a "genetically engineered hard drug", comparing it to fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
This type of rhetoric is not only misinformed—it is dangerous for an industry that provides jobs, natural medicine, and economic growth across the country. The idea that today’s cannabis is “genetically engineered” completely misunderstands the evolution of cultivation and the science behind modern growing techniques.
The Truth About Cannabis Cultivation
Cannabis today isn’t just some random plant grown in a backyard without care or precision. The best growers in the world have spent decades refining their craft, understanding terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, and the environmental conditions needed to cultivate premium plants.
Does cannabis look different than it did 50 years ago? Absolutely. But that’s because of innovation, not genetic engineering in the way Stuart suggests. Growers have used selective breeding, much like winemakers cultivate the best grapes or farmers develop the most flavorful tomatoes. This is not about “engineering” a dangerous drug—this is about refining a plant to maximize its potential, safety, and effectiveness.
To dismiss this industry under the outdated idea that cannabis is "too strong" or "genetically modified" is an insult to the skill, science, and agricultural expertise that has made cannabis a multi-billion-dollar industry.
What This Means for the Future of Hemp
This nomination is especially concerning given the upcoming Farm Bill updates. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, allowing businesses like ours to thrive. However, the new Farm Bill may introduce total THC limits that could further regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9—potentially cutting off major revenue streams for farmers and brands.
We were hopeful with the consideration of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary, as he has a more balanced and science-driven approach to cannabis. Now, we are faced with Mike Stuart, whose extreme stance could set West Virginia—and the entire industry—back for years.
A Pro-Business Approach Should Include the Hemp Industry
The U.S. economy thrives when industries are given the freedom to innovate, grow, and create jobs. Over the past decade, the hemp and cannabis sectors have done exactly that, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of American workers.
For an administration that prioritizes economic growth, business development, and job creation, ensuring a stable regulatory environment for hemp should be a logical step forward. However, decisions that over regulate or dismantle the industry could have serious economic consequences.
Let’s look at the numbers:
The hemp industry alone was valued at over $4.5 billion in 2023, with projections continuing to rise.
The legal cannabis industry (including medical and adult-use marijuana) is expected to surpass $50 billion by 2030.
Hemp farming has revitalized rural economies, offering small farmers a sustainable and profitable alternative crop.
Over 428,000 full-time jobs exist in the cannabis industry—more than in coal mining.
Supporting industries like hemp and cannabis means supporting American businesses, entrepreneurs, and farmers—especially in states where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. If free markets and small government are the guiding principles, then restricting a legitimate, revenue-generating industry contradicts those values.
Rather than relying on outdated perspectives, policy should be shaped by facts, economic data, and the voices of the American people—many of whom support cannabis reform and recognize its economic potential. This isn’t about politics; it’s about smart business.
We’re Not Giving Up—And You Shouldn’t Either
At Moon Flower, we’re saddened by this decision. We don’t know exactly what the future holds for our business. But what we do know is that we won’t stop working, expanding, and using our voices.
And you can use yours too. Here’s how:
Stay Informed – Read up on the Farm Bill, federal cannabis policy, and state laws that impact your rights. Knowledge is power.
Contact Your Representatives – Tell them why cannabis and hemp matter. Your voice matters more than you think. Find your local officials here.
Support Advocacy Groups – Groups like NORML and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable fight for our industry. If you want change, help the people who are pushing for it.
Use Social Media – The conversation needs to be public. Tag legislators. Share facts. Demand fair policy. The more people talking, the harder it is for them to ignore us.
These Are Our Representatives—They Work for Us
It’s important to remember that Mike Stuart, along with every other elected or appointed official, is a representative of the people. Their job is not to push personal agendas—it’s to serve the interests of their constituents and make decisions based on the will of the people.
And the people have spoken.
More than half of all U.S. citizens support cannabis legalization in some form.
Over 70% of Americans believe medical cannabis should be legal and accessible.
Even in traditionally conservative states, the majority of voters want cannabis laws reformed.
Ignoring these numbers in favor of one person’s outdated beliefs is not leadership. It’s a failure to govern.
One Person’s Misguided View Shouldn’t Kill an Entire Industry
To base cannabis policy on one person’s outdated opinion—especially when that person ignores the science, economics, and health benefits—is reckless. This industry deserves regulation based on facts, not fear.
We’re not going anywhere. And if we all keep speaking up, neither is this industry.
Let’s make sure we protect cannabis, hemp, and the people behind it.
This hammers home the point that these officials are not kings—they are supposed to represent the will of the people.
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