Cannabis Research Act (H.R. 8901)
June 28, 2024
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Where This Stands
Currently IN_COMMITTEE. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →The Frame
If passed, this bill would authorize $50 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to fund interdisciplinary cannabis research, potentially changing how federal agencies track cannabis use and how universities conduct clinical trials.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Institutions of higher education
Universities may apply for designation as research centers, which requires meeting specific staffing, facility, and funding requirements.
Researchers and practitioners
Practitioners at designated centers receive federal registration to conduct research and are granted immunity from certain federal sanctions for testing state-legal marijuana.
Federal health agencies
The NIH, CDC, FDA, and other agencies are tasked with developing a national research agenda and conducting population-wide surveillance.
Current stage: IN_COMMITTEE.
Floor Vote.
Background
- The Public Health Service Act is the primary federal law governing public health, including the operations of the NIH and CDC. context
- The Controlled Substances Act regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances, including marijuana, which remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level. context
Summary
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Why It Matters
If passed, this bill would authorize $50 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to fund interdisciplinary cannabis research, potentially changing how federal agencies track cannabis use and how universities conduct clinical trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'Center of Excellence in Cannabis Research'?
Will this bill make cannabis legal?
How will the government track cannabis use?
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
1607 STRATEGIES, LLC
on behalf of American Property Casualty Insurance Association
2022
“Issues relating to the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program and other issues related to flood insurance products. Marijuana impairment research. S. 2428, False Claims Amendments Act of 2021, provisions affecting tort liability. Issues relating to cyber insurance. H.R. 1996, Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2021, provisions relating to insurance of cannabis businesses.”
1607 STRATEGIES, LLC
on behalf of American Property Casualty Insurance Association
2022
“Issues relating to the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program and other issues related to flood insurance products. Marijuana impairment research. S. 2428, False Claims Amendments Act of 2021, provisions affecting tort liability. Issues relating to cyber insurance. H.R. 1996, Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2021, provisions relating to insurance of cannabis businesses.”
1607 STRATEGIES, LLC
on behalf of American Property Casualty Insurance Association
2021
“Issues relating to the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program and other issues related to flood insurance products. Marijuana impairment research. S. 2428, False Claims Amendments Act of 2021, provisions affecting tort liability. Issues relating to cyber insurance. H.R. 1996, Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2021, provisions relating to insurance of cannabis businesses.”
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Federal-State Research Alignment
The bill creates a unique legal bridge by tying federal research immunity directly to the legality of marijuana products under state law.
Connected Entities
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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