PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 117-215.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 2, 2022
Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act
This act establishes a new, separate registration process to facilitate research on marijuana.
Specifically, the act directs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to follow procedures specified in the act to register (1) practitioners to conduct marijuana research, and (2) manufacturers to supply marijuana for the research.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The act allows certain registered entities (including institutions of higher education, practitioners, and manufacturers) to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD) for the purposes of medical research. Additionally, the act directs the DEA to register manufacturers and distributors of CBD or marijuana for the purpose of commercial production of an approved drug that contains marijuana or its derivative.
Finally, the act includes various other provisions, including provisions that
require the DEA to assess whether there is an adequate and uninterrupted supply of marijuana for research purposes;
prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from reinstating the interdisciplinary review process for marijuana research;
allow physicians to discuss the potential harms and benefits of marijuana and its derivatives (including CBD) with patients; and
require HHS, in coordination with the National Institutes of Health and relevant federal agencies, to report on the therapeutic potential of marijuana for various conditions such as epilepsy, as well as the impact on adolescent brains and on the ability to operate a motor vehicle.
People & committees
Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3] · D–OR
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 117-215.
Became Public Law No: 117-215.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S6746-6747)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 325 - 95 (Roll no. 392). (text: CR H7120-7122)
House roll call 392 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 325 - 95 (Roll no. 392).(text: CR H7120-7122)
House roll call 392 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7145-7146)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8454.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7120-7124)
Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.8454 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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