Musk’s DOGE Initiative Celebrates Federal Cannabis Research Grant Cancellation
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, publicly lauded the cancellation of a significant cannabis research grant previously awarded by a federal health agency.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reportedly rescinded a multi-million dollar research grant that had been earmarked for studies investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis compounds. The grant, which had been approved earlier this year, was intended to fund comprehensive research into marijuana’s effects on chronic pain management and specific neurological conditions.
“This represents exactly the kind of wasteful spending DOGE was established to eliminate,” read a statement attributed to the DOGE leadership team on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which is owned by Musk. “American taxpayers shouldn’t fund questionable research when we’re facing a national debt crisis.”
Today, @NIH cancelled the following grants:
– $620K for “an LGB+ inclusive teen pregnancy prevention program for transgender boys”
– $699K for studying “cannabis use” among “sexual minority gender diverse individuals”
– $740K for examining “social networks” among “black and…— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) March 12, 2025
The cancellation has drawn sharp criticism from scientific organizations and advocacy groups who argue that federally-funded cannabis research is essential for evidence-based policymaking, especially as more states continue to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana use.
Dr. Eleanor Sanchez, director of the National Association for Cannabis Research, expressed concern about the decision. “This represents a significant setback for scientific inquiry. Without federal funding, important questions about efficacy, dosing, and potential risks or benefits remain unanswered. Evidence-based policy requires evidence, which requires research.”
The grant, reportedly worth approximately $3.7 million, had been awarded to a consortium of university researchers following a rigorous peer-review process. Their proposed research aimed to investigate cannabinoid effects on treatment-resistant chronic pain conditions.
Political analysts suggest this move aligns with Musk’s broader cost-cutting agenda since being appointed to lead DOGE. Since its formation in early 2025, DOGE has identified numerous federal programs for potential elimination or reduction, with a stated goal of reducing government expenditure by billions of dollars.
Senator Mark Hopkins (D-Colorado) issued a statement opposing the cancellation. “At a time when 38 states have legalized medical marijuana in some form, blocking scientific research seems counterproductive and ideologically motivated rather than fiscally responsible.”
The HHS has not issued an official statement regarding the specific reasoning behind the grant cancellation, though a department spokesperson confirmed that funding priorities have been reassessed following recent federal budget reviews.
This development occurs amid ongoing tension between state-level marijuana legalization efforts and federal policy, where cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance despite increasing recognition of its potential medical applications.
Industry observers note that while government funding for cannabis research may be declining, private sector investment continues to grow, with pharmaceutical companies increasingly interested in developing cannabinoid-based medications.
