Blumenauer Co-Authors Federal Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Research

Zach Middleton,

Researchers who wish to explore the medical applications of marijuana may finally get the opportunity if a new piece of federal legislation co-authored by Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer gets signed into law. The key amendment is known as the “Credible Research on Medical Efficacy of Marijuana Amendment” and would allow for the study of the effects of medical marijuana.

Research of this nature has historically been heavily restricted. The amendment is part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which will be considered on the House floor this week
“Given the widespread use of medical marijuana, it is imperative that doctors better understand how it can be used to treat different people and conditions, as well as the risks involved.

Our amendment shows members of Congress with widely varying views on marijuana policy are united in support of building a robust body of scientific information on medical marijuana.” said Congressman Blumenauer.

Marijuana is considered by the federal government to be a Schedule 1 Narcotic, the worst classification a drug can earn. Other drugs in this classification include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Schedule 1 Narcotics are distinct from other classifications by having no potential medical benefit, meaning medical research is either heavily controlled or banned outright.

This groundbreaking new amendment would keep marijuana as a Schedule 1 Narcotic, but would also create a new classification, “Schedule 1R,” which would make it easier to research. The amendment would encourage the National Institute of Health (the main federally-funded medical research agency) and the Drug Enforcement Agency to cooperate on new research.