The Medical Marijuana Research Act would go in and adjust federal law so that clinical investigations into the plant, its different forms including concentrates, and marijuana infused products like edibles and topicals may happen.
It is a Bill that states its purpose as, “To amend the Controlled Substances Act to make marijuana accessible for use by qualified marijuana researchers for medical purposes, and for other purposes.”
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It also reads in Paragraph (4): “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…”
Representatives Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the Act, a.k.a. H.R. 3391. It’s a bold move, but one that reflects the views of the nation.
Clinical investigations into cannabis are of great importance as they help to hone in on which strains, what dosages and what forms ease which ailments. This is especially important when one is dealing with such serious conditions as childhood epilepsy, different forms of cancer or HIV/AIDS.
The medical benefits of cannabis are also present for those who are experiencing a wide range of ailments and discomforts. From menstruation cramps and mood swings to insomnia, Tourette’s to Parkinson’s, autism to anxiety disorder, the list of things to be researched and hopefully healed goes on and on.
However, even though well over half of Americans have voted to legalize medical cannabis, the current regulations and marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I drug keep it from most testing labs. Being a Schedule I drug, in theory, means having no medicinal value, and therein lies the current rub.
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Passing this Act would hurry along the process of federal reviews of clinical protocols, give much better access of the plant to scientists and make it a mandate that the FDA review the studies and their relevant science.
NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, is asking that you please click HERE to contact your Representative and urge him or her to support this important measure. As do we.
