Marijuana research faces delays from DEA

MMJ International Holdings is advancing marijuana-derived pharmaceuticals for Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis with support from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the company reports that delays from the Drug Enforcement Administration have significantly hindered progress.

MMJ president and CEO Duane Boise commended the FDA’s cooperation in a recent press release, citing the agency’s “detailed regulatory pathway to prove the safety and efficacy of a marijuana product.” This collaboration has allowed MMJ to move forward with investigational new drug applications and develop a soft gelatin capsule awaiting FDA approval for human clinical trials.

In contrast, the DEA’s slow processing of cultivation applications has prevented MMJ from growing the cannabis strains required for active pharmaceutical ingredient development. “MMJ has not been able to grow the specific marijuana plant cultivars needed for our API development due to significant delays in our DEA registration,” Boise said in a recent release.

The delays have also deterred potential investors, further stalling research timelines. Despite the challenges, MMJ is pursuing legal action to address the DEA’s regulatory obstacles.

The company remains committed to its mission, hoping to set a precedent for improved federal cannabis policy.