U.S. House of Representatives Passed ASA-Supported, Bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act

On July 28, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the ASA-supported Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, legislation that would encourage research on marijuana and its potential benefits by removing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) barriers and streamlining the application process for researchers. The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3) and cosponsored by physician anesthesiologist Representative Andy Harris (R-MD-1).

If signed into law, H.R. 8454 would amend the Controlled Substances Act to make marijuana accessible for use by qualified marijuana researchers for medical purposes. In a systematic review presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2019, preliminary evidence suggests that medical marijuana could lessen opioid use and potential abuse. ASA supports rigorous scientific research on the safety and efficacy of the drug. 

ASA applauds the U.S. House for passing this legislation and urges Congress to advance this legislation. 

Read the bill text here.