U.S. House Approves Bill That Would Allow for Cannabis Research
On Monday, April 4, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan cannabis research bill that would remove barriers to conducting research and allow scientists to access cannabis from dispensaries of legal cannabis states.
The Medical Marijuana Research Act passed the House in a 343-75 vote.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D) introduced the bill in October 2021. It is co-sponsored by 11 Representatives, both Democrats and Republicans.
According to an article on Forbes.com, the bill would ease the process by which researchers apply for approval to study cannabis by ensuring a sufficient supply of cannabis intended for research and placing deadlines on federal agencies to consider applications on time. Furthermore, it would also authorize scientists to access flowers and other products manufactured according to state-approved programs and shelved in dispensaries.
It remains to be seen if, following the House’s vote, the Senate will be able to negotiate a deal on the bill to send to President Biden.
Cannabis research has been limited for years in the U.S., although several states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use. But despite these changes in state policy and the increasing prevalence of cannabis use and its implications for population health, the federal government has not legalized cannabis at the federal level.
Researchers in the U.S. who want to conduct studies on the medical benefits and risks of cannabis are limited from doing so because of the illegality of cannabis at the federal level.
Continue reading at Forbes.com.
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