The Senate passed a separate, bipartisan research bill, The Cannabidol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act, mainly aiming to streamline the application process for researchers who seek to study the plant and encourage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop cannabis-derived medicines.
This bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a report on potential health benefits as well as one on barriers to cannabis research and how to overcome those obstacles. It also clarifies that physicians would be legally allowed to discuss the risks and benefits of marijuana with patients.
This bill has been received by the House and remains held at the desk of the chamber.
For more information:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2032