A group of researchers and other advocates associated with the prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches To Marijuana (SAM) is calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to swiftly bring a House-passed cannabis research bill to a vote.
Twelve members of SAM’s Scientific Advisory Board sent a letter to Schumer on Tuesday, imploring him to advance the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act “as quickly as possible.”
The House approved the legislation, sponsored by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Andy Harris (R-MD), in July. While lawmakers signaled that the Senate would promptly follow suit and deliver the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk, it’s since lingered in the chamber as leadership has focused on finalizing a separate package of incremental cannabis reforms that’s being called “SAFE Plus.”
That omnibus legislation is expected to include a cannabis research component, as well as provisions on issues like marijuana banking, veterans’ medical cannabis access and expungements. But the SAM advisory board members are asking that Schumer act sooner than later on the standalone science bill.
“This bill would streamline the process for research necessary to improve our understanding of marijuana and its effects on the human brain and body,” the letter, which was shared exclusively with Marijuana Moment, says. “As existing research already shows, there are myriad potential harms and benefits to marijuana and its…
