House Votes to Substantially Expand Cannabis Research

April 4, 2022

Following the passage of the Medical Marijuana Research Act in the House of Representatives, US Cannabis Council CEO Steven Hawkins released the following statement:

“Cannabis has a wide range of therapeutic applications, but researchers have consistently faced significant roadblocks to conducting studies. Research is key to evaluating and unlocking the full potential of cannabis, and we applaud the House for passing legislation that would greatly expand the eligible supply of cannabis for studies.

“Historically, federal policy has severely restricted researchers’ access to cannabis. Lack of supply, along with onerous restrictions, has held back cannabis research for years. The House bill would upend the status quo by opening a critical new pathway for researchers to conduct studies with state-legal cannabis.

“Today’s House vote and last month’s unanimous Senate vote on a more limited proposal both strongly signal that Congress is committed to cannabis research. We urge House and Senate leaders to consolidate their bills and pass meaningful cannabis research reform this year.”