What does Preamble of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To streamline the process for institutions of higher education to research marijuana,' aims to simplify the research process for higher education institutions regarding marijuana. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 20, 2026, by Ms. Titus and Ms. Omar.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026.

What does MARIJUANA FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES. of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Controlled Substances Act to include 'whether the applicant is an institution of higher education or a State or local government entity' as a priority factor for licenses under section 303. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number and status of license applications received under section 303, disaggregated by applicant type. Institutions of higher education in states or on tribal land where marijuana is lawful may obtain or purchase marijuana from state or tribal regulatory bodies or law enforcement agencies for research purposes. Permissible research includes studying marijuana types, public health considerations of marijuana policies, and potential medical benefits. Marijuana obtained from law enforcement agencies cannot be administered to individuals. Students and researchers participating in approved marijuana research at institutions of higher education are protected from losing federal student aid or other funding. Institutions of higher education sponsoring such research are also protected from losing federal funds. Participation in covered research cannot negatively impact the immigration status of covered students or researchers. The section defines key terms including 'controlled setting,' 'covered student,' 'covered research,' 'covered researcher,' 'Indian tribe,' 'State or tribal government marijuana regulatory body,' and 'State or tribal law enforcement agency'.

What does DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION LICENSE PROCESS TO STUDY of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes an Office of University Relations within the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Office will provide technical assistance to researchers and institutions of higher education seeking registration for controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The Office will also develop technology to allow researchers and institutions to amend applications before submission.

What does INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP. of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a working group to recommend improvements to the registration process for studying marijuana at institutions of higher education. The Director of the National Institutes of Health must establish this working group within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The working group will consist of appointees from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and two institutions of higher education. The working group must submit a report to several Congressional committees within one year of the Act's enactment. The report should include a summary of the status of marijuana research at institutions of higher education and recommendations for improvement.

What does GRANT PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY MARIJUANA. of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a grant program within the National Institute of Drug Abuse to study marijuana for potential medical benefits. The Director of the National Institutes of Health is responsible for establishing and administering the Program. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to institutions of higher education. Eligible projects must focus on marijuana's medical or public health purposes. Applicants must submit an application with information determined appropriate by the Director. Priority will be given to institutions in states or tribal lands where marijuana use is legal, considering geographic diversity and minority institutions. The section authorizes $15,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 to 2030 to carry out the program.

What does GRANT PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY MARIJUANA FOR of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a grant program, the "Program," within the Department of Agriculture to study marijuana for agriculture purposes. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to establish the Program within 90 days of the Act's enactment. The Secretary may award grants on a competitive basis to institutions of higher education. Eligible projects under the Program must focus on studying marijuana for agriculture purposes, including conservation and growth techniques and impacts on other crops. Applicants for grants must submit an application with information determined appropriate by the Secretary. Priority for grant awards will be given to institutions in states or tribal lands where marijuana use is legal, considering geographic diversity and minority institutions. The Act authorizes $15,000,000 in appropriations for the Program for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030.

What does ARTICLE 28 OF SINGLE CONVENTION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS. of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section clarifies that Article 28 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs does not prohibit research involving marijuana. It also states that Article 28 does not impose additional restrictions on the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana. Such research and activities must be conducted in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act, this Act, and amendments made by this Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Institution of higher education” is defined as having the meaning given in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). “Minority institution” is defined as having the meaning given in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k). “State” is defined to include any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any territory of the United States.

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Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/20/2026 · Introduced: 4/20/2026

Author: Dina Titus (D-NV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prioritizes applications from institutions of higher education and state/local government entities when issuing licenses under the Controlled Substances Act for marijuana research.
It establishes a Drug Enforcement Administration Office of University Relations to provide technical assistance and streamline the registration process for researchers and institutions.
The bill creates grant programs within the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the Department of Agriculture, totaling $30 million annually through 2030, to fund research on the medical and agricultural benefits of marijuana at institutions of higher education.
It clarifies that international agreements, specifically Article 28 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, do not prohibit marijuana research conducted in compliance with U.S. law.
Researchers and students participating in approved marijuana research at institutions of higher education are protected from losing federal student aid, research funding, or immigration status.

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