Bill Overview
Title: Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act
Description: This bill establishes a new, separate registration process to facilitate research on marijuana. Specifically, the bill directs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to follow specified procedures to register (1) practitioners to conduct marijuana research, and (2) manufacturers to supply marijuana for the research. The bill allows certain registered entities (including institutions of higher education, practitioners, and manufacturers) to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD) for the purposes of medical research. Additionally, the bill directs the DEA to register manufacturers and distributors of CBD or marijuana for the purpose of commercial production of an approved drug that contains marijuana or its derivative. Finally, the bill includes various other provisions, including provisions that require the DEA to assess whether there is an adequate and uninterrupted supply of marijuana for research purposes; prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from reinstating the interdisciplinary review process for marijuana research; allow physicians to discuss the potential harms and benefits of marijuana and its derivatives (including CBD) with patients; and require HHS, in coordination with the National Institutes of Health and relevant federal agencies, to report on the therapeutic potential of marijuana for various conditions such as epilepsy, as well as the impact on adolescent brains and on the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the facilitation of marijuana research through the Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill facilitates research on marijuana and its derivatives, which can lead to new medical findings and treatments. This can impact patients with conditions like epilepsy that could potentially benefit from marijuana-based treatments.
- Manufacturers and distributors involved in the production and distribution of marijuana and CBD will be directly impacted, as the bill allows more freedom and structure for production if linked to approved research.
- Researchers and institutions of higher education that are conducting or planning to conduct marijuana research will be directly affected by the new registration system, potentially easing their research processes.
- Healthcare providers may see an impact as they will be allowed to discuss marijuana treatment options with their patients, specifically regarding the harms and benefits, which could impact patient care decisions.
- The broader population that might benefit from new treatments resulting from marijuana research includes patients suffering from conditions that could be mitigated by marijuana-based medicines.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed at facilitating research on marijuana and its derivatives, potentially leading to advancements in medical treatments, particularly for conditions such as epilepsy and chronic pain.
- Industry participants such as manufacturers and distributors will have more structured opportunities under the policy to engage in commercial production focused on research, which could lead to economic benefits for those sectors.
- Healthcare providers may experience indirect effects as they can now discuss marijuana-derived treatments more openly, potentially influencing patient care and treatment pathways.
- The broader population that could benefit includes people with medical conditions that currently lack effective treatment options. Successful research might open new avenues for therapy, improving these individuals' quality of life.
- The policy is anticipated to impact highly specific populations directly, such as researchers and manufacturers, while the indirect benefits may ripple wide if new treatments are developed.
Simulated Interviews
Epilepsy Patient (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been following news on CBD treatments, hoping for legal advancements.
- This policy gives me hope that more research will validate what I've heard—CBD could help with my seizures.
- I'm cautiously optimistic, but worried about how long it will take to see concrete results or changes in available treatments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
CBD Manufacturer (Colorado)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could open doors for me to expand operations legally, although it might come with stricter regulations.
- The potential link to a formal pharmaceutical framework is promising.
- Long-term, I see this as beneficial for industry reputation and my business growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Research Scientist (New York)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The enhanced registration process will make it easier to conduct my research legally and obtain materials.
- It could streamline a lot of red tape and allow me to focus on innovation.
- I am excited about the potential findings we could bring to light with better support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Primary Care Physician (Texas)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Currently, discussing marijuana with patients is tricky, balancing legality and education.
- The policy could provide clearer guidelines and conversation points.
- I am hopeful that it will also pave the way for legal prescriptions in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Public Health Policy Advisor (Florida)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with movements to decriminalize and employ marijuana for medical use.
- It's comprehensive in addressing research, which is a logical step forward.
- I anticipate my role will heavily focus on regulatory aspects as effects trickle down to state levels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
College Student (Oregon)
Age: 18 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm enthusiastic about the future of pharmaceuticals involving marijuana.
- I see potential research opportunities opening up as I progress in my studies.
- This policy gives me hope that my career might involve innovative treatments using CBD.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Federal Healthcare Regulator (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems poised to increase workloads due to new oversight requirements.
- However, it's a step towards modernizing regulations around cannabis research.
- I am hopeful it will result in more guided and informed regulations down the line.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Nebraska)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy leads to greater accessibility of CBD products.
- At my age, effective pain management is crucial, and I'm searching for viable alternatives.
- I'm cautiously optimistic seeing more conversations happen in the medical community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Nurse (Illinois)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might lead to more robust pain management protocols involving marijuana.
- I am supportive of research that could lead to better patient care.
- I hope it will allow more flexibility in what treatments we can suggest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Small Business Owner (Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill piques my interest due to potential business opportunities.
- I am concerned about regulatory hurdles though.
- If commercial production ramps up, it can mean accessibility of more products for resale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $8000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $13000000)
Year 5: $7000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $12000000)
Year 10: $6000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $10000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The actual uptake and impact of marijuana-based treatments are uncertain due to regulatory and social factors.
- There might be indirect savings due to reduction of redundant or inefficient processes within federal agencies handling marijuana regulation.