Senators Urge Update on Federal Efforts to Further Marijuana Research

A group of U.S. Senators sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), requesting an update on the progress of the federal government’s efforts to facilitate research on medical marijuana by issuing needed manufacturing licenses.

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) co-wrote the letter.

The senators seek guidance on how the DEA will make these licenses available to qualified researchers in a timely manner given that the federal government has a unique responsibility to coordinate medical marijuana research efforts — and has delayed issuing these licenses in the past.

“With millions of American adults having access to recreational marijuana and a growing number seeking the drug for medicinal purposes, the federal government is not providing the necessary leadership and tools in this developing field,” wrote the lawmakers. “Evidence-based public policy is crucial to ensuring our marijuana laws best serve patients and health care providers.”

The lawmakers have requested responses no later than Jan. 10, to better understand both the DEA’s decision-making and its work with HHS and ONDCP to expand medical marijuana research.