Federal Bill Introduced to Allow Cannabis Research at Universities

A House bill introduced Tuesday aims to promote cannabis research at universities and eliminate federal barriers for researchers. The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act was introduced by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO). 

In a statement, Titus, a member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said cannabis is “a major economic driver in Nevada and across the country and deserves further research.”    

“Most of that research will come from academia, where right now too many universities and researchers do not have robust protections for even possessing what they are researching. As a former professor, I’m introducing this commonsense legislation to support their work and help us all learn more about the effects and potential uses of cannabis.” — Titus in a press release 

Morgan Fox, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) political director, said that “Despite cannabis being one of the most heavily studied substances, there continue to be significant federal barriers to conducting additional research, particularly involving clinical trials and products that are available in regulated state-legal markets.” 

“This bill will facilitate trusted university partners to engage in the kinds of research that will best equip state and federal lawmakers and regulators to develop effective cannabis policies based on public health and safety, will allow consumers to make more informed choices, and will help train the next generation of cannabis researchers,” he said in a statement. 

The measure would provide $150 million in cannabis research funding for universities over five years and allow those institutions to obtain cannabis for research through partnerships with state regulators and law enforcement. 

The measure has been assigned for the House Agriculture, Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Judiciary committees.