Bill Introduced to Increase Federal Research into Marijuana
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) has introduced legislation that would lift federal barriers and increase research into cannabis.
The Expanding Cannabis Research and Information Act would remove restrictions on federal research into cannabis and expand studies on the potential benefits and harms from cannabis use.
“With some form of legalization on the books in over 30 states and now Illinois, I want to lift federal restrictions so we can conduct additional medical research on marijuana,” Durbin said. “We need a better understanding of promising uses of cannabis for treatment, as well as how marijuana use impacts public safety and specific populations — including children, pregnant women and drivers.”
The Expanding Cannabis Research and Information Act would:
- Direct the NIH, CDC and SAMHSA to develop a national cannabis research agenda.
- Direct HHS to collect more data on cannabis use and impacts on health outcomes.
- Reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule II controlled substance.
- Established an NIH research “Centers of Excellence designation.
