December 09, 2020

Rep. Lou Correa Votes To Pass Bipartisan Cannabis Research Legislation

Bipartisan Bill Will Allow Medical Researchers To Unlock New Treatments and Medicines For PTSD, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, and More

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Lou Correa joined his colleagues in passing the bipartisan H.R.3797 - Medical Marijuana Research Act which seeks to facilitate clinical cannabis research streamlining the process by which approved scientists may access cannabis flowers and other products manufactured in accordance with state-authorized marijuana programs. 

Rep. Lou Correa said, “For decades we have known the immense potential locked inside of cannabis, but restrictive federal law has greatly limited research. Right now countries like Israel are far ahead of us on researching beneficial and medical uses for cannabis. The Medical Marijuana Research Act will help American researchers close the gap and develop new treatments and medications. At the end of the day, cannabis offers us the opportunity to end pain and suffering for countless Americans and that’s something we cannot overlook.”

BACKGROUND: The H.R.3797 - Medical Marijuana Research Act improves access to cannabis products needed for research by ending the University of Mississippi's monopoly on cannabis production. For the past five decades, scientists have consistently criticized the poor quality of the University’s plants, which they say fail to accurately reflect the varieties of marijuana commercially available in the United States. The University’s product is distinct from commercially available cannabis commonly accessible across the USA. The current system does not permit scientists to access state-licensed marijuana products as part of an FDA-approved protocol. The Medical Marijuana Research Act ensures researchers have broader access to high-quality products necessary to their research. Congressman Correa is a cosponsor of this legislation.

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Rep. Lou Correa represents California's 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here.