A recent breakthrough for researchers came Wednesday as the Senate joined the House in allowing research on marijuana from dispensaries. In the event that, this bill becomes law, researchers will be able to study the cannabis consumers are purchasing from state-legal dispensaries—instead of having to use only government-grown cannabis.
In this case, the reform is a part of a wide-ranging Senate bill focusing on transportation. Previously, the research amendment cleared a committee hearing on Wednesday. As a result, lawmakers decided that a federal report will need to go out to establish a national clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will contain samples of various types of cannabis for scientists from non-legal states to use in studies.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the measure almost a week after the House panel approved their version. Both bills include similar provisions.
Reform Proposals for the Research Bill
Senator John Hickenlooper is the sponsor of the amendment containing multiple reforms. He argues the changes are necessary to promote research into impaired driving. Additionally, it will help create a national standard for addressing impaired driving.
“Colorado led the way on marijuana legalization,” said Hickenlooper. “The federal government needs to catch up by lifting outdated restrictions on the scientific study of cannabis so we can prevent driving while high.”
The Senate unanimously approved the proposal as part of a broad package of amendments for the transportation-focused bill.
Cannabis-Focused Amendments
As written, the amendment mandates the Transportation Secretary to work next to the U.S. Department of Health and the Justice Department on developing a public notice. This notice must also be completed within two years of the bill’s enactment. The report must include:
- Recommendations on allowing researchers to access retail-level marijuana from dispensaries to study impaired driving;
- Recommendations on establishing a national clearinghouse to collect and distribute marijuana for scientific research, including products lawfully available to patients or consumers in a State;
- Additionally, examinations for broad “statutory and regulatory barriers” to research into marijuana-impaired driving.
On Twitter, Scott Ciabattoni replied to the news saying, “Good. No Doubt they [researchers] have only scratched the surface [scientific studies] when it comes to the benefits [of marijuana].”
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