Today, December 2, 2022, President Biden signed into law H. R. 8454 to expand research on cannabidiol and marijuana, and for other purposes which will create cannabis research opportunities for medical cannabis and will protect doctors who advise their patients about medical cannabis. The bill was passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate and was presented to the President on November 29, 2022.
Because of the lack of scientific research and the plethora of anecdotal and observational research existing on cannabis, this bill marks an important milestone to assist researchers and medical professionals in their efforts to scientifically study the drug without excessive constraints. Importantly, the bill also allows for the development, manufacturing, and dispensing of cannabidiol to be used in research and the development of FDA-approved drugs. This is also the first major, federal cannabis legislation signed into law since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp.
This bill was signed into law two months after an Executive Order that, among others, called upon the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research marihuana and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider its removal as a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
OFW will continue to monitor for more information. Please contact OFW if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
