Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, have introduced the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, a bill to support research on the potential benefits of substances such as cannabidiol (CBD) that are derived from marijuana.

In addition to Feinstein and Grassley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

“I strongly believe that more research into the potential medical benefits of marijuana, specifically cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, is needed,” Feinstein said. “This narrowly focused bill takes a responsible approach by cutting the red tape associated with marijuana research. It paves the way for new research to be conducted to determine if cannabidiol can be an effective medication for serious illnesses, such as intractable epilepsy. Our bill also maintains safeguards to protect against illegal diversion.”

Currently, CBD is classified as a dangerous drug. As a result, research on CBD is subject to extremely stringent regulations, which has posed a significant obstacle to medical developments and research, Feinstein said. Thousands of parents nationwide have used CBD oil to help their children who suffer from intractable epilepsy, often with positive results. However, because no drug products containing CBD have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, CBD is unregulated and its effectiveness is unpredictable.

“The parents of children with severe epilepsy and other conditions are interested in cannabidiol to try to ease their children’s symptoms,” Grassley said.  “I understand their interest. Research is necessary to determine the potential medical value of cannabidiol, and wherever possible, the government should help facilitate the scientific research needed to give these parents the answers they need.”

The goal of the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act is to ensure research on CBD and other potentially beneficial marijuana-derived substances is based on sound science while simultaneously reducing the regulatory barriers associated with conducting research on marijuana.