[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 19 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S349-S350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 27--RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR RESEARCH, 
   EDUCATION, AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT REGARDING HIGH-POTENCY MARIJUANA

  Mr. RICKETTS submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                            S. Con. Res. 27

       Whereas the use of high-potency marijuana has become 
     increasingly prevalent across the United States;
       Whereas the average potency of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol 
     (commonly known as ``THC''), the major psychoactive component 
     in marijuana, increased by 287 percent between 1995 and 2021, 
     from 3.96 percent potency to 15.34 percent potency;
       Whereas adolescent and teen marijuana abuse increased by 
     245 percent from 2000 to 2020;
       Whereas the perceived risk of weekly marijuana use 
     decreased from 47.5 percent to 27.4 percent among adolescents 
     in the past decade;
       Whereas cannabis use disorder among teens increased by 25 
     percent after the enactment of recreational marijuana 
     legalization;
       Whereas increased potency levels correspond with greater 
     health risks, with research showing that daily use of THC 
     with a potency greater than 15 percent results in a 5 times 
     increased risk of psychosis;
       Whereas only 3 States have enacted potency caps on 
     marijuana flower or concentrates;
       Whereas the use of high-potency marijuana has been linked 
     to potential adverse health effects, including mental health 
     disorders and cognitive impairment;
       Whereas education and awareness programs are essential to 
     inform the public about the potential risks associated with 
     the use of high-potency marijuana; and
       Whereas a bipartisan effort is necessary to develop 
     evidence-based policies to address the increasing prevalence 
     of high-potency marijuana: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring),

[[Page S350]]

  


     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This concurrent resolution may be cited as the ``Randy's 
     Resolution''.

     SEC. 2. RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND 
                   POLICY DEVELOPMENT REGARDING HIGH-POTENCY 
                   MARIJUANA.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement 
     Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, should conduct 
     and support research on the health effects of high-potency 
     marijuana and its impact on vulnerable populations such as 
     youth.
       (b) Resolving Matters.--Congress--
       (1) supports the development of educational programs at the 
     Federal, State, and local levels to inform the public about 
     the potential risks associated with the use of high-potency 
     marijuana, especially among youth; and
       (2) urges Federal, State, and local governments to 
     collaborate with public health organizations, medical 
     professionals, and community stakeholders to develop 
     evidence-based policies that address the public health and 
     safety concerns associated with high-potency marijuana.

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