All Roll Calls
Yes: 325 • No: 95
117-hr-8454117th CongressWALLET
Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act
Sponsored By: Representative Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
Became Law
Summary
Expands federal medical research on marijuana and CBD and creates a clear registration and oversight system. It sets timelines for approvals, expands who can manufacture marijuana for studies, and orders a unified federal research agenda on safety, therapeutic effects, and supply.
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- Researchers and institutions get a detailed registration system with a 60-day initial decision window and a 30-day review after supplemental information. It adds protocol amendment rules and security standards for storage to limit diversion.
- Manufacturers and supply chains face a structured pre-approval process tied to Federal Register notices and must meet completeness and state licensure checks. The Attorney General must annually assess research supply and report to Congress if shortages occur.
- Patients and clinicians gain a safe harbor for state-licensed physicians to discuss potential harms and benefits of marijuana derivatives with patients and guardians. The law also creates a pathway for FDA-approved cannabinoid drugs to move toward commercial production under federal registration.
A one-year federal report to Congress will map therapeutic potential, safety across THC levels, barriers in legalized states, and partnership recommendations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More marijuana research supply and path to market
The law expands who can manufacture marijuana for research and requires fast processing. After a complete application, the Attorney General has 60 days to approve or request more info, then 30 days to approve or deny with written reasons. Registered institutions, practitioners, and manufacturers may handle marijuana or CBD for medical research and later commercial production. The Attorney General must register manufacturers or distributors for commercial production only when the drug is FDA‑approved and CSA rules are met. Each year, the Attorney General and HHS check if research supply is adequate; if not, Congress must be notified within 60 days with fixes.
Doctors can discuss marijuana and CBD
State‑licensed doctors may talk with patients about known risks and benefits of marijuana and CBD. For children, doctors may speak with the child’s legal guardian. These talks are not Controlled Substances Act violations when they stick to currently known harms and benefits.
Clear rules for CBD and research schools
The law defines CBD covered by this program as CBD from marijuana with more than 0.3% delta‑9 THC and its synthetic equivalent. It defines covered schools as universities with high research activity or accredited medical or osteopathic schools that also hold the right federal registration. It defines “appropriately registered” to mean the entity has the exact Controlled Substances Act registration needed for the activity and schedule.
More federal research, no extra review
HHS must report to Congress within one year on medical benefits and risks of marijuana and CBD, effects of higher THC (including on teens and driving), and research barriers. The report must include ways to confirm product contents and keep harmful components out. HHS also expands and coordinates federal research and can fund it with grants and contracts. HHS cannot bring back any marijuana‑only special protocol review.
Faster marijuana research approvals and updates
The law speeds up DEA research registrations. After a complete application, the Attorney General has 60 days to approve or ask for more info, then 30 days to decide after you submit it. Many study changes need no DEA notice; for changes to type, source, or storage, give 30 days’ notice and the Attorney General can object only for security. Quantity-only changes are deemed approved unless the Attorney General objects within 10 days. Researchers must keep marijuana in a locked, strong cabinet, and the Attorney General can require more security like for similar Schedule I/II research.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
OR • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1]
MD • R
Sponsored 7/21/2022
Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]
VA • R
Sponsored 7/21/2022
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
OH • R
Sponsored 7/21/2022
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 7/21/2022
Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
SC • R
Sponsored 7/21/2022
Rep. Perlmutter, Ed [D-CO-7]
CO • D
Sponsored 7/21/2022
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
NH • D
Sponsored 7/22/2022
Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-12]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/22/2022
Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
MI • D
Sponsored 7/22/2022
Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
TN • D
Sponsored 7/22/2022
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 7/26/2022
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Yes: 325 • No: 95