Medical Marijuana Research Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5657, the Medical Marijuana Research Act.

I first thank Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Harris, and, of course, the chairman of the committee, but Mr. Harris and Mr. Blumenauer are the lead sponsors of this legislation.

Though our long-term goals for marijuana regulation may differ, the three of us share a strong conviction that scientific data should form the basis for policymaking whenever possible. For four Congresses now, we have joined forces to advocate for more research on the use of cannabis products to treat medical conditions.

My belief that medical marijuana probably can be beneficial when used in the proper setting for treatment of certain medical conditions is based largely on anecdotal evidence from constituents and citizens.

Despite the increasing use of cannabis products around the country, there have been very few legitimate, peer-reviewed studies to determine the effects of cannabis on the body, particularly over a long period of time.

This lack of research is due, in large part, to the Federal Government standing in the way. Marijuana's schedule I status makes it extremely difficult for scientists to, one, obtain approval to conduct cannabis research; and, two, obtain a quality product of marijuana to use for that research.

H.R. 5657 addresses both of these issues. It encourages medical marijuana research by establishing a new set of research standards that are specific to cannabis. This will allow cannabis to remain classified as a schedule I substance while increasing access for those who wish to study it.

It also ensures the availability of verified cannabis products necessary for legitimate research by establishing a new registration process. Entities who choose to register and are approved will be able to legally manufacture and distribute marijuana for the purpose of conducting such research.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield to gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) as much time as he may consume.

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Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would say, Madam Chair, you have heard the comments from both sides of the aisle. We need the research. It is good for the American public to know whether or not this stuff works.

But you hear accounts from citizens that they are having to buy marijuana on the street. Maybe they can get it in some of these States now. But when you are dealing with epilepsy, for example, they have to boil up a tincture to make sure that it has the CBD and some level of THC, but nobody really knows what level of THC is necessary to help with juvenile epilepsy. We just don't know. We have no research.

Parents out there, concerned about the well-being of their children, have turned their children into guinea pigs. Yet, because in many States it is still illegal, and was illegal until just a few years ago, they haven't been able to report their findings to anybody who is working on this in an official sense.

It is time that ends. Let's do research on cannabis. I yield back the balance of my time.

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