CFCR Executive Director Weekly Report

Welcome Everyone,

It's been an active week on the Hill with the enactment of H.R. 8454, "The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act" signed into law by President Biden.  On behalf of 16 partner organizations, each of which is committed to various forms of research in their ongoing battles against life threatening and debilitating ailments, we congratulate Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Andy Harris (R-MD) for their bipartisan leadership in securing Congressional passage of this historic measure. Passage of this bill will accelerate medical research into the risks and therapeutic benefits of this complex plant and its derivatives and ensure that physicians can discuss cannabis and CBD use with their patients.  

Most relevant to CFCR is that federal regulators have sufficient scientific evidence to inform the most appropriate classification, if any under the Controlled Substances Act, for cannabis. We support breaking down the barriers to research to help the world better understand the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, as well as potential risks.  

To that end, we have an associate, Dr. Leah Johnson, working on a compilation of major cannabinoid toxicity and recommended dosing level studies. This will include those conducted by private companies and public institutions that have been published in respected journals. If you have any resources and insights you wish to share with us, please contact me. I would love to hear from you and engage. 

If you missed our webinar last week,  Cannabis Hype, Separating Harm From Health our panelists discussed cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, the effect of high THC content on maturing brains and what the research tells us behind how cannabis might be helpful for people with other addictions.

Join our Founder and Chair Sheri Orlowitz next week as she discusses rescheduling on the Benzinga podcast with Elliot and Javier, Tuesday, December 13th at 4:00pm ET.  

We are going to take a break over the holidays and return in the new year with a new look. Wishing each of you a safe and happy holiday season! 

“We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane.”

― Kurt Vonnegut

Deborah