As states around the U.S. continue to enact comprehensive cannabis reform legislation in spite of federal prohibition, increases in medical marijuana research have often been considered the first step in bringing the progressive cause to a wider national audience.
And with Sessions finally responding with an emotion other than biased disgust to the idea of federal cannabis research, it appears that scientific access to the outlawed drug may come sooner than later.
Concurrent with the Attorney General’s newfound compassion for medical marijuana patients is a soon-to-be-introduced bill from Republican Congress members Bob Goodlatte and Matt Gaetz. During his appearance at the Senate subcommittee, the AG said he does not think marijuana can combat opioid addiction and assist in addiction recovery. As for the existing research that posits cannabis can cut opioid use by huge percentages, Sessions told legislators that he doesn’t “believe that will be sustained in the long run. “
Hopefully the Medical Cannabis Research Act will pass quickly and the scientific community can begin using federal funds to disprove Sessions once again.