© 2024 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Illegal Drug Opponents in Iowa Optimistic about Trump Appointments

Joyce Russell/IPR
Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy Director Steve Lukan

The director of the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy is watching as President-elect Donald Trump makes key appointments affecting drug enforcement.  

He’s optimistic strong anti-drug administrators will be named.  

Steve Lukan says Iowans in the drug enforcement and treatment community have noted the appointment of  Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions as U.S. Attorney General.   

Many people in our world are optimistic

Lukan says there’s speculation the Trump administration may have different ideas about enforcing federal marijuana laws than the current administration.

“There’s word going around that they may be reviewing marijuana programs, legalization efforts, medical marijuana programs,” Lukan said.   “As you know many of these things have been done in contrast to federal law.” 

Iowa’s medical marijuana law, for example, violates federal law.  

In the past, Sessions has spoken out against legalizing marijuana.

Lukan says he’s optimistic about other Trump appointments.  

“Some of the names mentioned for the Drug Enforcement Administration are strong anti-drug leaders,” Lukan said.  

Lukan made his comments at a budget hearing before Governor Branstad and his advisors.   Lukan requests a status quo budget for his agency for next year.

The office operates through state funds and federal grants.