The amendments were filed by Republican lawmakers who wanted to attach them to a broader bill that would increase criminalization of the opioid. Both proposals were filed by Republican legislators who wanted to include them in a larger bill that would criminalize opioids and also contain provisions to streamline research on Schedule I drugs.
Matt Gaetz, R-FL, proposed an amendment to the House Rules Committee’s hearing on Monday about the Halt All lethal trafficking of (HALT), Fentanyl Act in order to declassify marijuana federally.
The Government Accountability Office was required to conduct a study on cannabis contaminated with fentanyl, a proposal that Rep. Vern Bucanan (RFL) had made. Many advocates believe that this issue has been given excessive media attention after a number law enforcement claims which later proved to be false.
The committee ruled that neither amendment was in order, so they won’t be considered. The committee also rejected an amendment proposed by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY to prevent federal funds from being given to private or public entities that operate drug consumption safe facilities.
The Rules Committee advanced only three of 88 amendments proposed to the broader fentanyl legislation. It appears that the GOP leadership is generally unwilling to revise this legislation. This bill cleared the Energy & Commerce Committee back in March, and it’s expected to reach the House Floor later this week.
The bill outlines penalties for fentanyl related offenses, and updates requirements for researchers who are interested in studying Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.
Opponents of the drug war are against the legislation, as its main goal is to permanently place fentanyl in the strictest schedule possible and to increase penalties for activities involving opioid substances.
Other provisions of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which aim to expedite the registration of studies into Schedule I drug and allow limited manufacturing by researchers, could address concerns about how the strict classifications of marijuana, psychoactives, and other substances have impeded scientific research.
Some research provisions in the bill are similar with those found in a measure focusing on marijuana that President Joe Biden passed into law, last year. The U.S. Attorney General has 60 days to approve or reject a research application. The bill also provides a faster and more efficient way for researchers to request large quantities of cannabis.
On Monday, the White House released an administration policy statement expressing its support for this legislation and calling on Congress to “pass all of these crucial measures to improve public security and save lives.”
According to the bill, a researcher who is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to study Schedule I or II drugs must have their request evaluated within 30 days after sending a notification to the Justice Department.
The non-registered applicants’ submission must be considered within 45 calendar days after the notification.
This measure allows for the expedited processing of research conducted or funded in part by federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
bill also states that duplicate registrations are not required for researchers who work at the same institution and participate in a study approved of a Schedule I substance.
According to the legislation, “a person registered to conduct research on a controlled drug may engage in manufacturing activities using small quantities… without being required to register as a manufacturer.” This is provided that the activities are carried out for the purposes of research and that the amounts of the substance used and the activities themselves are consistent with the research.
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Last Congress, the HALT Fentanyl act was also introduced but did not progress at the committee level.
The National Institutes of Health published a Request for Information (RFI) in the past year. It asked for input regarding barriers to cannabis research, specifically to “strengthen scientific evidence” of its therapeutic potential.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has separately solicited proposals this month for a number of research initiatives that explore the use of psychedelics to treat drug abuse. It plans to fund $1.5 million to support these studies.
Republicans on the Senate side blocked a vote last month to advance to the floor a bill that would promote the research into the therapeutic benefits of marijuana for veterans with certain conditions.
DEA is being sued by a former agent who was ‘wrongfully terminated’ over CBD use
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The article Congressional Committee blocks GOP-led marijuana legalization and fentanyl contamination amendments from floor votes first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
