WASHINGTON — A group of U.S. Senators led by Iowa’s Chuck Grassley introduced the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, a bill to support research initiatives on the potential benefits of substances such as cannabidiol (CBD) that are derived from marijuana.
In addition to Senators Grassley and Dianne Feinstein, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
“I strongly believe that more research into the potential medical benefits of marijuana, specifically cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, is needed,” Senator Feinstein said. “This narrowly focused bill takes a responsible approach by cutting the red tape associated with marijuana research. It paves the way for new research to be conducted to determine if cannabidiol can be an effective medication for serious illnesses, such as intractable epilepsy. Our bill also maintains safeguards to protect against illegal diversion.”
“The parents of children with severe epilepsy and other conditions are interested in cannabidiol to try to ease their children’s symptoms,” Senator Grassley said. “I understand their interest. Research is necessary to determine the potential medical value of cannabidiol, and wherever possible, the government should help facilitate the scientific research needed to give these parents the answers they need.”
Currently, CBD is classified as a Schedule I drug. As a result, research on CBD is subject to extremely stringent regulations, which has posed a significant obstacle to medical developments and research. Thousands of parents nationwide have used CBD oil to help their children who suffer from intractable epilepsy, often with positive results. However, because no drug products containing CBD have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to date, CBD is unregulated and its effectiveness is unpredictable.
The goal of the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act is to ensure research on CBD and other potentially beneficial marijuana-derived substances is based on sound science while simultaneously reducing the regulatory barriers associated with conducting research on marijuana.
Key provisions of the bill include:
• Requiring the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to complete an analysis to determine the medical value of CBD within one year.
• Allowing research on CBD to be conducted using a Schedule II registration, rather than the more stringent Schedule I classification.
• Streamlining the process by which researchers notify the federal government of changes to their research protocols or quantity of marijuana needed.
• Allowing accredited research institutions, medical schools and pharmaceutical companies located in states with marijuana or CBD laws to conduct FDA-authorized research.
• Allowing the possession of non-psychoactive components of marijuana solely for the treatment of epilepsy.
Grassley is a complete buffoon. He’s repeatedly said that there are no benefits to marijuana and that its one of the most dangerous drugs. Idiotic statements at best. He’s part of the “reefer madness” generation and has opposed any legalization in any form. He’s only doing this now because 25 of the 50 U.S. States have laws in the books legalizing marijuana in one form or another. How can HALF the country be wrong? Maybe he’s become so senile he’s forgot his own BS. he needs to be removed from office. NO ONE that makes politics their lifelong career is serving the public, only themselves. I don’t care if a road with herpes runs against him…I’ll vote for it
**toad** with herpes
Well said James. Chuck can take Linda Upmeyer with him when he goes.
He will win again because he is the best person running. The Dumbocrats have nothing that even comes close to Grassley.
That’s the problem with you Republicans. You think you’re better than everyone and above everyone. There is no reason to call people you disagree with dumb. Takes credibility away with from everything you say .