The Cannabis Research Act has been introduced by Congressmembers Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Dave Joyce (R-Ohio).
The legislation requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to collaborate with agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish “a national cannabis research agenda that addresses key questions and gaps in evidence.” The measure requires the NIH director to designate certain universities as “Centers of Excellence in Cannabis Research” that would conduct interdisciplinary research on marijuana and related biomedical, behavioral, and social issues.
The NIH director, in choosing universities to receive the Centers of Excellence in Cannabis Research designation, must prioritize those with proven track records in medicinal cannabis research. The designation will be valid for five years, after which institutions can reapply.
The NIH is authorized to issue grants or enter into cooperative research agreements with up to 10 Centers of Excellence in Cannabis Research, allocating $50 million for each fiscal year from 2024 to 2028.
The bill also directs federal agencies to conduct surveillance activities to gather population-wide data on cannabis use. This data will help enhance the understanding of cannabis use across all age groups and sub-populations. The legislation stipulates that data collection must protect personal privacy to at least the minimum extent required by federal and state law.
The “national cannabis research agenda” is required to include several primary research objectives, including studying the safety and efficacy of marijuana in treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, pain, nausea and as a replacement for opioids.
