Cannabis Research Act

HR 8901, the Cannabis Research Act, directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to create a national research agenda on cannabis within one year of enactment. This agenda will examine medical benefits (like pain management and epilepsy treatment), effects on vulnerable groups (children, pregnant people, older adults), public safety concerns (youth access, impaired driving), and optimal dosing. The bill also establishes federally funded "Centers of Excellence in Cannabis Research" at universities, authorizing $50 million annually (2026-2030) for these institutions to conduct interdisciplinary research and clinical trials. Additionally, it modifies federal law to allow research institutions to legally test cannabis products under state law for research purposes, without triggering Controlled Substances Act penalties.