Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act of 2016, with my Judiciary Committee colleagues, Senators Grassley, Leahy, and Tillis. This narrowly focused legislation responsibly cuts the red tape that hinders marijuana research, paving the way for important studies to determine if cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana often referred to as CBD, can be a safe and effective medication for serious illnesses, such as intractable epilepsy. It does this while maintaining safeguards to protect against illegal diversion. First, the bill directs the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to complete a scientific and medical evaluation of CBD within one year. Based on this evaluation, the legislation directs the Department of Justice to make a scheduling recommendation for CBD that is independent of marijuana. This has never been done before. Second, without sacrificing appropriate oversight, it streamlines the regulatory process for marijuana research. In particular, it improves regulations dealing with changes to approved quantities of marijuana needed for research and approved research protocols. It also expedites the Drug Enforcement Administration registration process for researching CBD and marijuana. Third, this legislation seeks to increase medical research on CBD, while simultaneously reducing the stigma associated with conducting research on a Schedule I drug.…”