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# Bill Introduced to Support Cannabidiol Research
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/bill-introduced-to-support-cannabidiol-research/
- Published: 2016-07-15T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T21:14:55.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5136193

Senators **Dianne Feinstein** (D-CA) and **Chuck Grassley** (R-IA), have co-introduced the [*Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act*](http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=files.serve&File%5Fid=E61DB486-DDDB-4921-89FB-7477C179421E&ref=fdaweb.com)*,* a bill to support research initiatives on the potential benefits of substances like cannabidiol (CBD) that are derived from marijuana. “I strongly believe that more research into the potential medical benefits of marijuana, specifically cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, is needed,” Feinstein says. “This narrowly focused bill takes a responsible approach by cutting the red tape associated with marijuana research. It paves the way for new research to be conducted to determine if cannabidiol can be an effective medication for serious illnesses, such as intractable epilepsy. Our bill also maintains safeguards to protect against illegal diversion.” The full text of the legislation can be viewed [here](http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=files.serve&File%5Fid=E61DB486-DDDB-4921-89FB-7477C179421E&ref=fdaweb.com).

Currently, CBD is classified as a Schedule I drug, which is the red tape the lawmakers are trying to improve. Current research on CBD is subject to extremely stringent regulations, which has posed a significant obstacle to medical developments and research, the two say in a [joint statement](http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=013F8738-A2B1-4628-A06B-E7BA629C9518&ref=fdaweb.com). It says that thousands of parents nationwide have used CBD oil to help their children who suffer from intractable epilepsy, often with positive results. However, because no drug products containing CBD have been approved by FDA to date, CBD is unregulated and its effectiveness is unpredictable.

The bill is written to ensure that research on CBD and other potentially beneficial marijuana-derived substances is based on sound science while simultaneously reducing the regulatory barriers associated with conducting research on marijuana. Key provisions include:

- · Requiring the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to complete an analysis to determine the medical value of CBD within one year.
- · Allowing research on CBD to be conducted using a Schedule II registration, rather than the more stringent Schedule I classification.
- · Streamlining the process by which researchers notify the federal government of changes to their research protocols or quantity of marijuana needed.
- · Allowing accredited research institutions, medical schools and pharmaceutical companies located in states with marijuana or CBD laws to conduct FDA-authorized research.
- · Allowing the possession of non-psychoactive components of marijuana solely for the treatment of epilepsy.