Bill · H.R. 8394· House(119-HR-8394)
Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/20/2026
- Last activity
- 4/20/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Education and Workforce, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Dina Titus
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026 aims to streamline the process for higher education institutions to conduct marijuana research. It amends the Controlled Substances Act to prioritize applications from institutions of higher education or government entities. The bill allows these institutions to purchase marijuana from state or tribal regulatory bodies for biological, chemical, agricultural, or public health research. It also protects the federal funding and immigration status of students and researchers participating in such studies. Additionally, the act establishes new grant programs through the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Agriculture. Finally, it mandates the creation of a new DEA office to provide technical assistance for researchers.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would students be better off under this?+3
The bill protects student aid, federal funding, and immigration status for those participating in covered research.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+3
The bill provides priority for minority institutions in its new grant programs.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+2
The bill protects the federal student aid and immigration status of students conducting research.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Streamlined Research Access: By adding institutions of higher education and government entities as priority factors in the Controlled Substances Act, the bill makes it easier for these groups to obtain licenses for research (Section 2(a)).
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Simplified Procurement: Institutions of higher education in states or on tribal lands where marijuana is legal can purchase marijuana directly from state/tribal regulatory bodies or law enforcement for research purposes (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Expanded Research Scope: Researchers can use obtained marijuana to study marketplace types, public health considerations of policies, and potential medical benefits (Section 2(c)(2)).
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Financial Protections for Students and Researchers: Participation in covered research will not cause students or researchers to lose federal student aid, other federal funding, or have their immigration status impacted (Section 2(d)(1) and (d)(3)).
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Institutional Funding Security: Institutions of higher education will not lose federal funds due to the sponsorship of research involving marijuana (Section 2(d)(2)).
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Technical Assistance for Researchers: The creation of an Office of University Relations within the DEA will provide technical assistance to those seeking to register for the manufacture, distribution, or dispensation of controlled substances (Section 3).
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Funding for Medical Research: A grant program is established via the National Institutes of Health to study marijuana for potential medical and public health purposes (Section 5).
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Funding for Agricultural Research: A grant program is established via the Secretary of Agriculture to study marijuana for agricultural purposes, such as conservation and growth techniques (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Administration: Marijuana obtained from a State or tribal law enforcement agency cannot be administered to individuals (Section 2(c)(3)).
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Research Limitations for Students: While "covered research" includes the administration of research involving marijuana, it specifically does not include a covered student consuming marijuana in any manner (Section 2(e)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+3Good For Native Americans+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Low Income Households+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- 4/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Education and Workforce, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Ilhan OmarDemocrat · Minnesota