[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 59 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4136-H4140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH ACT

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5657) to amend the Controlled Substances Act to make 
marijuana accessible for use by qualified marijuana researchers for 
medical purposes, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5657

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Medical Marijuana Research 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. FACILITATING MARIJUANA RESEARCH.

       (a) Production and Supply.--The Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services--
       (1) until the date on which the Secretary determines that 
     manufacturers and distributors (other than the Federal 
     Government) can ensure a sufficient supply of marijuana (as 
     defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 
     U.S.C. 802), as amended by section 8) intended for research 
     by qualified marijuana researchers registered pursuant to 
     paragraph (3) of section 303(f) of the Controlled Substances 
     Act (21 U.S.C. 823(f)), as added by section 3, shall--
       (A) continue, through grants, contracts, or cooperative 
     agreements, to produce marijuana through the National 
     Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program;
       (B) not later than one year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, act jointly with the Attorney General of the United 
     States to establish and implement a specialized process for 
     manufacturers and distributors, notwithstanding the 
     registration requirements of section 303 of such Act (21 
     U.S.C. 823), to supply qualified marijuana researchers with 
     marijuana products--
       (i) available through State-authorized marijuana programs; 
     and
       (ii) consistent with the guidance issued under subsection 
     (c); and
       (C) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, jointly convene with the Attorney General a meeting 
     to initiate the development of the specialized process 
     described in subparagraph (B); and
       (2) beyond the date specified in paragraph (1), may, at the 
     Secretary's discretion, continue--
       (A) through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, 
     to so produce marijuana; and
       (B) to implement such specialized process.
       (b) Requirement To Verify Registration.--Before supplying 
     marijuana to any person through the National Institute on 
     Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program or through implementation of 
     the specialized process established under subsection 
     (a)(1)(B), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall--
       (1) require the person to submit documentation 
     demonstrating that the person is a qualified marijuana 
     researcher seeking to conduct research pursuant to section 
     303(f)(3) of the Controlled Substances Act, as added by 
     subsection (d) of this section, or a manufacturer duly 
     registered under section 303(l) of the Controlled Substances 
     Act, as added by section 3 of this Act; and
       (2) not later than 60 days after receipt of such 
     documentation, review such documentation and verify that the 
     marijuana will be used for such research (and for no other 
     purpose authorized pursuant to this Act or the amendments 
     made by this Act).
       (c) Guidance on Use of State-Authorized Marijuana 
     Programs.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services shall issue guidance related to marijuana from 
     State-authorized marijuana programs for research.
       (d) Research.--Section 303(f) of the Controlled Substances 
     Act (21 U.S.C. 823(f)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively;

[[Page H4137]]

       (2) by striking ``(f) The Attorney General'' and inserting 
     ``(f)(1) The Attorney General'';
       (3) by striking ``Registration applications'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(2) Registration applications'';
       (4) in paragraph (2), as so designated, by striking 
     ``schedule I'' each place that term appears and inserting 
     ``schedule I, except marijuana,'';
       (5) by striking ``Article 7'' and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Article 7''; and
       (6) by inserting before paragraph (4), as so designated, 
     the following:
       ``(3)(A) The Attorney General shall register the applicant 
     to conduct research with marijuana (including any derivative, 
     extract, preparation, and compound thereof) if, irrespective 
     of whether the applicant is registered pursuant to paragraphs 
     (1) and (2)--
       ``(i) the applicant meets the requirements for being 
     registered under such paragraphs to dispense, or conduct 
     research with respect to, controlled substances in schedule 
     I, II, III, IV, or V;
       ``(ii) the applicant is compliant with, and authorized to 
     conduct the activities described in clause (i) under, the 
     laws of the State in which the applicant practices; and
       ``(iii) in the case of an applicant pursuing clinical 
     research, the applicant's clinical research protocol has been 
     reviewed and authorized to proceed by the Secretary under 
     section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
       ``(B) An applicant registered under subparagraph (A) shall 
     be referred to in this section as a `qualified marijuana 
     researcher'.
       ``(C)(i) Not later than 60 days after the date on which the 
     Attorney General receives a complete application for 
     registration under this paragraph, the Attorney General shall 
     approve or deny the application.
       ``(ii) For purposes of clause (i), an application shall be 
     deemed complete when the applicant has submitted 
     documentation showing that the requirements under 
     subparagraph (A) are satisfied.
       ``(iii) In the case of a denial under clause (i), the 
     Attorney General shall provide a written explanation of the 
     basis for the denial.
       ``(D) The Attorney General shall grant an application for 
     registration under this paragraph unless the Attorney General 
     determines that the issuance of the registration would be 
     inconsistent with the public interest. In determining the 
     public interest, the following factors shall be considered:
       ``(i) The applicant's experience in dispensing, or 
     conducting research with respect to, controlled substances.
       ``(ii) The applicant's conviction record under Federal or 
     State laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or 
     dispensing of controlled substances.
       ``(iii) Compliance with applicable State or local laws 
     relating to controlled substance misuse or diversion.
       ``(iv) Such other conduct which may threaten the public 
     health and safety.
       ``(E)(i) A qualified marijuana researcher shall store 
     marijuana to be used in research in a securely locked, 
     substantially constructed cabinet.
       ``(ii) Except as provided in clause (i), any security 
     measures required by the Attorney General for applicants 
     conducting research with marijuana pursuant to a registration 
     under this paragraph shall be consistent with the security 
     measures for applicants conducting research on other 
     controlled substances in schedule II that have a similar risk 
     of diversion and abuse.
       ``(F)(i) If the Attorney General grants an application for 
     registration under this paragraph, the applicant may amend or 
     supplement the research protocol and proceed with the 
     research under such amended or supplemented protocol, without 
     additional review or approval by the Attorney General or the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services if the applicant does 
     not change the type of marijuana (including any derivative, 
     extract, preparation, and compound thereof), the source of 
     the marijuana, or the conditions under which the marijuana is 
     stored, tracked, or administered.
       ``(ii) If an applicant amends or supplements the research 
     protocol or initiates research on a new research protocol 
     under clause (i), the applicant shall, in order to renew the 
     registration under this paragraph, provide notice to the 
     Attorney General of the amended or supplemented research 
     protocol or any new research protocol in the applicant's 
     renewal materials.
       ``(iii)(I) If an applicant amends or supplements a research 
     protocol and the amendment or supplement involves a change to 
     the type of marijuana, the source of the marijuana, or 
     conditions under which the marijuana is stored, tracked, or 
     administered, the applicant shall provide notice to the 
     Attorney General not later than 30 days before proceeding on 
     such amended or supplemental research or new research 
     protocol, as the case may be.
       ``(II) If the Attorney General does not object during the 
     30-day period following a notification under subclause (I), 
     the applicant may proceed with the amended or supplemental 
     research or new research protocol.
       ``(iv) The Attorney General may object to an amended or 
     supplemental protocol or a new research protocol under clause 
     (i) or (iii) only if additional security measures are needed 
     to safeguard against diversion or abuse.
       ``(G) If marijuana is listed on a schedule other than 
     schedule I, the provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) 
     that apply to research with a controlled substance in the 
     applicable schedule shall apply to research with marijuana or 
     that compound, as applicable, in lieu of the provisions of 
     subparagraphs (A) through (F) of this paragraph.
       ``(H) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as 
     limiting the authority of the Secretary under section 505(i) 
     of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or over 
     requirements related to research protocols, including changes 
     in--
       ``(i) the method of administration of marijuana;
       ``(ii) the dosing of marijuana; and
       ``(iii) the number of individuals or patients involved in 
     research.''.

     SEC. 3. MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MARIJUANA FOR USE IN 
                   LEGITIMATE RESEARCH.

       Section 303 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 
     823), as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(l) Registration of Persons To Manufacture and Distribute 
     Marijuana for Use in Legitimate Research.--
       ``(1) Registration of manufacturers.--
       ``(A) In general.--Beginning not later than the day that is 
     1 year after the date of enactment of the Medical Marijuana 
     Research Act, the Attorney General, pursuant to subsection 
     (f)(3) and subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, 
     shall register an applicant to manufacture marijuana 
     (including any derivative, extract, preparation, and compound 
     thereof) that is intended for--
       ``(i) use by qualified marijuana researchers for research 
     pursuant to subsection (f)(3); or
       ``(ii) subsequent downstream manufacture by a duly 
     registered manufacturer for use by qualified marijuana 
     researchers for research pursuant to subsection (f)(3).
       ``(B) Public interest.--The Attorney General shall register 
     an applicant under subparagraph (A) unless the Attorney 
     General determines that the issuance of such registration is 
     inconsistent with the public interest. In determining the 
     public interest, the Attorney General shall take into 
     consideration--
       ``(i) maintenance of effective controls against diversion 
     of marijuana and any controlled substance compounded 
     therefrom into other than legitimate medical, scientific, or 
     research channels;
       ``(ii) compliance with applicable State and local laws 
     relating to controlled substance misuse and diversion;
       ``(iii) prior conviction record of the applicant under 
     Federal or State laws relating to the manufacture, 
     distribution, or dispensing of such substances; and
       ``(iv) such other conduct which may threaten the public 
     health and safety.
       ``(2) Registration of distributors.--
       ``(A) In general.--Beginning not later than the day that is 
     1 year after the date of enactment of the Medical Marijuana 
     Research Act, the Attorney General shall register an 
     applicant to distribute marijuana (including any derivative, 
     extract, preparation, and compound thereof) that is intended 
     for use by qualified marijuana researchers for research 
     pursuant to subsection (f)(3) or intended for subsequent 
     downstream manufacture by a duly registered manufacturer for 
     use by qualified marijuana researchers for research pursuant 
     to such subsection, unless the Attorney General determines 
     that the issuance of such registration is inconsistent with 
     the public interest.
       ``(B) Public interest.--In determining the public interest 
     under subparagraph (A), the Attorney General shall take into 
     consideration--
       ``(i) the factors specified in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), 
     and (iv) of paragraph (1)(B); and
       ``(ii) past experience in the distribution of controlled 
     substances, and the existence of effective controls against 
     diversion.
       ``(3) No limit on number of manufacturers and 
     distributors.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     the Attorney General shall not impose or implement any limit 
     on the number of persons eligible to be registered to 
     manufacture or distribute marijuana pursuant to paragraph (1) 
     or (2).
       ``(4) Requirement to verify use for legitimate research.--
     As a condition of registration under this section to 
     manufacture or distribute marijuana, the Attorney General 
     shall require the registrant--
       ``(A) to require any person to whom the marijuana will be 
     supplied to submit documentation demonstrating that the 
     marijuana (including any derivative, extract, preparation, 
     and compound thereof) will be used by qualified marijuana 
     researchers for research pursuant to subsection (f)(3) or for 
     subsequent downstream manufacture by a duly registered 
     manufacturer for use by qualified marijuana researchers for 
     research pursuant to such subsection;
       ``(B) in the case of distribution, to complete, with 
     respect to that distribution, the appropriate order form in 
     accordance with section 308 and to upload such forms to the 
     system used by the Drug Enforcement Administration for such 
     distribution;
       ``(C) to include in the labeling of any marijuana so 
     manufactured or distributed--
       ``(i) the following statement: `This material is for 
     biomedical and scientific research purposes only.'; and
       ``(ii) the name of the requestor of the marijuana;
       ``(D) to limit the transfer and sale of any marijuana under 
     this subsection--
       ``(i) to researchers who are registered under this Act to 
     conduct research with marijuana or to manufacturers duly 
     registered under this subsection; and

[[Page H4138]]

       ``(ii) for purposes of use in preclinical research or in a 
     clinical investigation pursuant to an investigational new 
     drug exemption under 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
     Cosmetic Act or for the purposes of further manufacturing of 
     marijuana; and
       ``(E) to transfer or sell any marijuana manufactured under 
     this subsection only with prior, written consent for the 
     transfer or sale by the Attorney General.
       ``(5) Timing.--Not later than 60 days after receipt of a 
     request for registration under this subsection to manufacture 
     or distribute marijuana, the Attorney General shall--
       ``(A) grant or deny the request; and
       ``(B) in the case of a denial, provide a written 
     explanation of the basis for the denial.
       ``(6) Deemed approval.--If the Attorney General fails to 
     grant or deny a request for registration under this 
     subsection to manufacture or distribute marijuana within the 
     60-day period referred to in paragraph (5), such request is 
     deemed approved.''.

     SEC. 4. TERMINATION OF INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEW PROCESS FOR 
                   NON-NIH-FUNDED QUALIFIED MARIJUANA RESEARCHERS.

       The Secretary of Health and Human Services may not--
       (1) reinstate the Public Health Service interdisciplinary 
     review process described in the guidance entitled ``Guidance 
     on Procedures for the Provision of Marijuana for Medical 
     Research'' (issued on May 21, 1999); or
       (2) create an additional review of scientific protocols 
     that is only conducted for research on marijuana other than 
     the review of research protocols performed at the request of 
     a qualified marijuana researcher conducting nonhuman research 
     that is not federally funded, in accordance with section 
     303(f)(3)(A) of the Controlled Substances Act, as added by 
     section 2 of this Act.

     SEC. 5. CONSIDERATION OF RESULTS OF RESEARCH.

       Immediately upon the approval by the Food and Drug 
     Administration of an application for a drug that contains 
     marijuana (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled 
     Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802), as amended by section 8 of 
     this Act) under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
     Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355), and (irrespective of whether 
     any such approval is granted) not later than the date that is 
     5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services shall--
       (1) conduct a review of existing medical and other research 
     with respect to marijuana;
       (2) submit a report to the Congress on the results of such 
     review; and
       (3) include in such report whether, taking into 
     consideration the factors listed in section 201(c) of the 
     Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 811(c)), as well as any 
     potential for medical benefits, any gaps in research, and any 
     impacts of Federal restrictions and policy on research, 
     marijuana should be transferred to a schedule other than 
     schedule I (if marijuana has not been so transferred 
     already).

     SEC. 6. PRODUCTION QUOTAS FOR MARIJUANA GROWN FOR LEGITIMATE, 
                   SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.

       Section 306 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 
     826) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) The Attorney General may only establish a quota for 
     production of marijuana that is manufactured and distributed 
     in accordance with the Medical Marijuana Research Act that 
     meets the changing medical, scientific, and industrial needs 
     for marijuana.''.

     SEC. 7. ARTICLE 28 OF THE SINGLE CONVENTION ON NARCOTIC 
                   DRUGS.

       Article 28 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs shall 
     not be construed to prohibit, or impose additional 
     restrictions upon, research involving marijuana, or the 
     manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana, that 
     is conducted in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act 
     (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), this Act, and the amendments made by 
     this Act.

     SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) Qualified Marijuana Researcher.--In this Act, the term 
     ``qualified marijuana researcher'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 303(f)(3) of the Controlled Substances Act, 
     as added by section 2(d) of this Act.
       (b) Updating Term.--Section 102(16) of the Controlled 
     Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(16)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the term `marihuana' 
     means'' and inserting ``the terms `marihuana' and `marijuana' 
     mean''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``The term `marihuana' 
     does not'' and inserting ``The terms `marihuana' and 
     `marijuana' do not''.

     SEC. 9. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H.R. 5657.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5657, the Medical Marijuana 
Research Act.
  Last week, Congress considered and passed the MORE Act, which 
effectively removes marijuana from the strictest category of regulation 
under the Controlled Substances Act. Today, medical marijuana is 
approved and regulated in 37 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, 
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These actions highlight the 
need for increased research about safety and efficacy of the marijuana 
products being consumed by millions of Americans.
  Unfortunately, comprehensive research on marijuana has been regulated 
in a restrictive, time-consuming way, and the current body of research 
is not representative of the products available to the average American 
adult consumer.
  H.R. 5657 is a bipartisan bill that streamlines the registration 
process for scientists seeking to engage in cannabis research. It also 
maintains the appropriate oversight and control by the Department of 
Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
  The bill requires HHS and DEA to respond to registration applicants 
in a timely manner and expands the number of federally approved 
manufacturers and distributors that can supply marijuana products for 
research purposes.
  The bill also creates a special process to allow State-authorized 
marijuana to be used for research purposes. This is an important step 
toward understanding the positive and negative health effects of the 
products being frequently consumed by people across our country.
  The House passed this bill by a voice vote in the 116th Congress. The 
Senate also passed a similar measure last Congress and did so again by 
unanimous consent last month.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representatives Blumenauer, Harris, 
Holmes Norton, Dingell, Cohen, Griffith, Lee, and Case for their 
leadership on this issue. I look forward to working with them and our 
colleagues in the Senate to expand comprehensive cannabis research and 
protect the health of our constituents.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5657, the 
Medical Marijuana Research Act.
  I first thank Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Harris, and, of course, the 
chairman of the committee, but Mr. Harris and Mr. Blumenauer are the 
lead sponsors of this legislation.
  Though our long-term goals for marijuana regulation may differ, the 
three of us share a strong conviction that scientific data should form 
the basis for policymaking whenever possible. For four Congresses now, 
we have joined forces to advocate for more research on the use of 
cannabis products to treat medical conditions.
  My belief that medical marijuana probably can be beneficial when used 
in the proper setting for treatment of certain medical conditions is 
based largely on anecdotal evidence from constituents and citizens.
  Despite the increasing use of cannabis products around the country, 
there have been very few legitimate, peer-reviewed studies to determine 
the effects of cannabis on the body, particularly over a long period of 
time.
  This lack of research is due, in large part, to the Federal 
Government standing in the way. Marijuana's schedule I status makes it 
extremely difficult for scientists to, one, obtain approval to conduct 
cannabis research; and, two, obtain a quality product of marijuana to 
use for that research.

[[Page H4139]]

  H.R. 5657 addresses both of these issues. It encourages medical 
marijuana research by establishing a new set of research standards that 
are specific to cannabis. This will allow cannabis to remain classified 
as a schedule I substance while increasing access for those who wish to 
study it.
  It also ensures the availability of verified cannabis products 
necessary for legitimate research by establishing a new registration 
process. Entities who choose to register and are approved will be able 
to legally manufacture and distribute marijuana for the purpose of 
conducting such research.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell), who is one of the 
sponsors of this legislation.

                              {time}  1730

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Medical 
Marijuana Research Act, legislation that would modernize Federal rules 
and procedures to facilitate additional medical research into the 
impacts of medical marijuana.
  We have seen dramatic changes in the legal status of marijuana at the 
State level, my State included. Sales of recreational marijuana began 
in my home State of Michigan in 2019, and medical marijuana is now 
legal in 37 States. However, the Federal framework for conducting 
marijuana research is decades old and has not kept pace with these 
changes.
  Currently, scientists in the United States looking to conduct 
research on marijuana must contend with a heavy-handed, duplicative 
registration and licensure process. Additionally, researchers are 
limited to using marijuana grown at a single location overseen by the 
National Institute on Drug Abuse at the University of Mississippi.
  Collectively, these outdated, bureaucratic barriers and Federal 
roadblocks greatly limit our understanding of the health impacts of 
marijuana and prevent qualified researchers from engaging in further 
study.
  The Medical Marijuana Research Act will modernize the cumbersome 
process by streamlining marijuana research registration applications. 
It will also direct FDA to issue guidelines on the production of 
marijuana and ensure that adequate amounts are available for research.
  The legislation also mandates a comprehensive review of the available 
body of research on marijuana by the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services 5 years after enactment.
  I thank my colleagues, Representatives Blumenauer, Harris, Norton, 
Cohen, Griffith, Barbara Lee, and Case, who led this with me to get 
this legislation passed.
  Additionally, I recognize Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Rodgers 
of Washington, as well as the Energy and Commerce Committee staff, for 
their very thoughtful input and efforts.
  Madam Speaker, it is high time we modernize our Nation's Federal 
regulations to facilitate legitimate medical research into the impacts 
of marijuana, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield to gentleman from Maryland (Mr. 
Harris) as much time as he may consume.
  Mr. HARRIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Blumenauer and I have jointly led and sponsored this bill for 
four Congresses. Although we disagree about recreational marijuana--he 
supports it; I oppose it--as a physician, I realize that if we are 
going to have medical marijuana legal, as the gentlewoman from Michigan 
says, in over three dozen States, we really ought to do research on it 
to see what it is used for and what it can't be used for because, Madam 
Speaker, many claims are made about it. Some are legitimate; some are 
illegitimate.
  The American public, if we are to have this product legal in 37 
States now, they deserve to know whether it works for what the claims 
are made.
  What this bill does is simple. It makes it easier to do rigorous 
medical research, the same type of research we expect to be done on any 
of the drugs that are sold as medicines in this country. That is what 
this bill does.
  It has been a long time coming. I thank the chairman for bringing 
this bill out. Hopefully, it gets across the finish line in both Houses 
and goes to the President's desk for signature.
  Madam Speaker, the American public deserves to know what medical 
marijuana is useful for because, again, for anyone who has one of the 
conditions that it might be useful for, this could be a godsend. For 
other conditions where it is claimed, it will be found to be not 
effective, but the American public needs to know.
  The Medical Marijuana Research Act is the way to get this done. 
Modernize our research methods. Bring them up to the scientific 
standards we use for every other type of medication in this country 
that is sold as a drug.
  Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 5657.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I would say, Madam Chair, you have heard the comments from both sides 
of the aisle. We need the research. It is good for the American public 
to know whether or not this stuff works.
  But you hear accounts from citizens that they are having to buy 
marijuana on the street. Maybe they can get it in some of these States 
now. But when you are dealing with epilepsy, for example, they have to 
boil up a tincture to make sure that it has the CBD and some level of 
THC, but nobody really knows what level of THC is necessary to help 
with juvenile epilepsy. We just don't know. We have no research.
  Parents out there, concerned about the well-being of their children, 
have turned their children into guinea pigs. Yet, because in many 
States it is still illegal, and was illegal until just a few years ago, 
they haven't been able to report their findings to anybody who is 
working on this in an official sense.
  It is time that ends. Let's do research on cannabis. I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Let me agree with my Republican colleague that this is very important 
because there really hasn't been enough research done on marijuana and 
the impacts of it.
  That is why this bill really needs to pass, and I urge my colleagues, 
on a bipartisan basis, to support it. I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
5657, the Medical Marijuana Research Act.
  The purpose of this bill is to amend the Controlled Substances Act to 
make marijuana accessible for use by qualified marijuana researchers 
for medical purposes, and for other purposes.
  This bill establishes new, separate registration requirements to 
facilitate medical marijuana research.
  It will remove the barriers on conducting cannabis research, by 
allowing scientists to access products from dispensaries that are 
legally authorized by state law.
  Current barriers include the burdensome registration process, 
redundant protocol reviews, lack of adequate research material, and 
unnecessarily onerous security requirements.
  The act will speed up the process for researchers to apply and get 
approved to study cannabis.
  It will also set clear deadlines on federal agencies to act on their 
registration applications.
  The bill also makes it easier for scientists to modify their research 
protocols without having to seek federal approval.
  It would additionally require that the Drug Enforcement 
Administration (DEA) license more growers.
  With this requirement there would be no limit on the number of 
additional entities that can be registered to cultivate marijuana for 
research purposes.
  For half a century, researchers have only been able to study 
marijuana grown at the University of Mississippi, because it is the 
only federally approved facility.
  These researchers have complained that it is difficult to obtain the 
medical marijuana at the facility, and when they do obtain it, it is 
low quality.
  The medical marijuana that researchers at the University of 
Mississippi have access to is often compared to industrial hemp, a 
botanical class of Cannabis sativa that is grown specifically for 
industrial and medical use.
  There are many differences between hemp and marijuana such as:

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  Hemp is specifically bred to produce plants because of its strong 
durable fibers, whereas marijuana is bred specifically for its resin 
properties, which is used for recreational purposes.
  Hemp is bred to have less than .03 percent THC. THC is the mood-
altering compound in marijuana. Regular marijuana has 1 percent to 30 
percent of THC.
  The hemp plant produces a high level of CBD oil and low levels of THC 
resin. Marijuana has a low level of CBD oil, and high levels of THC 
resin.
  In humans, the CBD oil produced by the hemp plant works on the 
inflammatory systems of the brain which is why some patients say they 
get relief after using it. Marijuana works on the part of the brain 
that regulates mood and hunger.
  The cannabis that government-authorized institutions typically access 
is more like hemp than marijuana, and marijuana is what consumers use 
in the real world.
  These researchers need to have access to marijuana and not facility-
grown hemp to further our education around the drug.
  With this bill, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) and the U.S. attorney general would be required to create a 
process for marijuana manufacturers and distributors to supply 
researchers with cannabis from dispensaries.
  This will allow researchers to be able to study the recreational 
marijuana that is being used and sold from state-legal businesses, 
instead of having to use only government grown cannabis.
  Ninety-nine percent of Americans live in a state that has legalized 
some form of cannabis, yet the federal law is still hindering 
researchers' ability to study all the full range of health benefits.
  Providing researchers with the actual marijuana that consumers are 
purchasing is the only way to provide the most efficient and relevant 
results.
  We need to stop making researchers jump through regulatory hoops in 
their efforts to study the medical potential of the plant.
  Expanding the marijuana studies will help ensure that Americans have 
adequate access to these potentially life changing medicines and 
treatments.
  There are about 4 million registered cannabis patients in the United 
States, and likely millions more are self-medicating.
  The United States leads the world in biomedical research yet research 
on cannabis, a drug that many of our citizens benefit from and are 
already using, lags far behind.
  Limiting the resources for this research will leave patients, health 
care professionals, and policy makers without the evidence needed to 
make sound decisions about the use of marijuana.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 5657 because 
providing the resources for this research could make the difference in 
millions of lives.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5657, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion 
are postponed.

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