The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Cooperative Studies Program has applied to become a federally registered importer of marijuana extract and tetrahydrocannabinol.
The notice is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on September 8.
According to the filing, the VA program, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, submitted its application on May 9, 2025. The request seeks authorization to import finished dosage products containing marijuana extracts and THC strictly for research and clinical trial purposes. The DEA clarified that this registration would not permit any other use of these substances and would not allow importation for commercial sales.
The notice further explains that approval of any permit applications will only be granted when the registrant’s activities align with provisions of federal law, specifically 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2). That statute allows limited importation of Schedule I and II substances under controlled conditions. The application emphasizes that authorization would not extend to FDA-approved or unapproved cannabis-based medicines intended for market distribution.
The public will have an opportunity to comment or file objections once the notice is officially published. Interested parties will have 30 days from publication to submit electronic comments through the federal eRulemaking portal or request a formal hearing with the DEA.
This application marks another step in expanding federally sanctioned research into marijuana’s medical potential. If approved, it would provide the VA with a direct supply of cannabis-derived products for studies aimed at improving treatments for veterans.
The publication comes as President Trump considers a move to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, which would drastically open up research opportunities.
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