Meanwhile, Israel is at the forefront of research in the industry. This is partially because that’s where cannabis research originated. But it’s also the result of having far more freedom to conduct research there.

In the antiquated United States, there is only one solitary place where growing marijuana for research is permitted. With a new ruling however, it looks like that’s FINALLY going to change.

The Mississippi Monopoly

Since 1968, the University of Mississippi (more affectionately known as Ole Miss) has had the monopoly on growing weed for research purposes. This is, as we all know, because the federal government continues to insist that cannabis is a Schedule I illegal drug. Thus, they would only permit one grower. (Insert eye roll here.)

Back in 2016, the Obama Administration sought to expand the research program and allow for additional growers. The program stalled out during Trump’s Administration, but the expansion process is now being completed by the Biden Administration.

Folks have known for a long time of the huge drawbacks of drawing conclusions from research done on cannabis from a singular location. For example, a university study done in 2019 found that the weed from the University of Mississippi had a genetic profile closer to hemp than what dispensaries are currently peddling. It was also moldy, contained sticks, and was not properly tested before being sent to researchers.

Upon discovering this, The Scottsdale Research Institute sued the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to allow other places to grow weed for research.

And Now for Something Completely Ironic

So here’s the twist.

The DEA is finally ready to end the University of Mississippi’s 50+ year monopoly. It ruled that it will work with new producers on the “production, storage, packaging, and distribution” of marijuana.

This is the same DEA which, for decades, had a major role in the federal government’s War on Drugs. So yeah, it’s pretty ironic.

But it’s progress, right? (We hope so.)

So Does This Mean More Cannabis Research in the U.S.?

Where cannabis is concerned, the DEA will no longer be just, as its name implies, an enforcer of drug laws. Their plan is to oversee a marijuana supply chain that involves purchasing research marijuana from an array of growers and shipping it to researchers funded by places such as the National Institutes of Health. They’ll also permit some growers to ship small amounts directly to research labs.

Of course, there are those who have doubts that the DEA can effectively handle a cannabis supply chain. But for the time being, scientists are rejoicing in this new ruling. And they’re pleased with how fast the DEA is moving – which is unusual given that it’s a government agency. Once the agency completes the review process of current applicants, they’re already poised to issue new licenses.

“This is a victory for scientific freedom,” said Sue Sisley, the president, and principal investigator at the Scottsdale Research Institute. As she told Science magazine, “It’s finally a chance to use real-world cannabis in our own studies and supply genetically diverse cannabis to scientists across the nation.”

We’re on board with that.

Are You a Cannabis Entrepreneur?

With the huge advantages resulting from more cannabis research in the U.S., now it a great time to get into the cannabis business.

If you’re looking to establish your cannabis business – or already have one – you need highly effective cannabis marketing and public relations from pioneers in the business.

That’s where we come in. Contact us today to get the expertise you need to make your cannabis business shine.

The post More Cannabis Research in the U.S.? appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Except that there is.

Political leanings aside, Mississippi is not the problem. It’s the medical grade marijuana that’s been coming from that single farm that’s the problem.

To be blunt (no pun intended), it’s crap.

So the news about the DEA’s willingness to expand medical marijuana research has American scientists who study cannabis fully rejoicing. As much as a scientist can fully rejoice, at least.

Scientists Should Not Be So Quick on the Rejoicing

Here’s why: The DEA has made this promise before. Back in 2016, to be exact.

By this time, scientists recognized just how abysmal was the cannabis coming out of the University of Mississippi. We’re talking THC and CBD levels at far lower than what most consumers are using.

Given that the farm operates under a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this shouldn’t surprise anyone.

So the DEA stepped in and said, “Alright then. Here’s an idea. Let’s license more growers so that we can offer scientists a wider variety of high-quality research material!” And there was rejoicing.

But it didn’t happen. So who’s to say that THIS time is the charm?

Dr. Sue Sisley. That’s who.

What Drove the Decision to Expand Medical Marijuana Research

Sisley is a well-known cannabis researcher and the head of the Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) in Arizona. Since that 2016 decision, Sisley and her peers at the Institute have repeatedly contacted the DEA about growing their own cannabis.

But to no avail. The DEA didn’t respond to any of the communications.

Sick of the pushing, pulling and cajoling, Sisley took legal action. She filed a lawsuit in June to force the DEA to carry out the measures it announced it would in 2016.

She felt that it was crucial that the DEA make good on their pledge to the public to end the NIDA monopoly and license other growers for research.

The announcement from the DEA has not sent her out onto the streets rejoicing though.

How the DEA Is Spinning It

Skimming over the fact that they had to be sued to take action, U.S. Attorney General William Barr applauded the DEA’s efforts.

The DEA is eating it up – positioning this sudden change of opinion as a unilateral step forward.

“We believe registering more growers will result in researchers having access to a wider variety for study,” said the DEA’s suddenly bright-eyed Acting Administrator.

Uh yeah. Duh.

But will they do it this time?

The DEA Filed SRI’s Application

They also filed 32 other pending applications to grow marijuana for research purposes. Even so, Sisley remains “cautiously optimistic.” And with good reason.

The DEA’s chameleon-like ability to do a complete about face while simultaneously falling back on their promise is impressive. But it doesn’t exactly instill trustworthiness.

Interestingly enough, the decision to file the applications came just two days before the DEA was scheduled to deliver a court-ordered response explaining why it had not processed SRI’s three-year old application.

Sisley feels that the top priority now is to hold the DEA accountable to this promise and ensure they follow the timelines they laid out on the day of the announcement.

Of course, even if they do follow everything to a T, it’s going to take some time for these additional cannabis sources to be available.

But for now, it feels like a victory.

The Cannabis Landscape Is Constantly in Flux

The DEA’s announcement to expand medical marijuana research is just one of the many happenings in the marijuana world.

If you want to stay up to date on the latest, keep checking back with our blog.

And if you’re a cannabis business trying to figure out how to stay ahead in this ever-changing industry, then contact us today. As experts in cannabis marketing and public relations, we’ll keep you in the loop.

The post DEA Agrees to Expand Medical Marijuana Research appeared first on GROW Cannabis Marketing.