The agency has dragged its feet on this issue for decades. Under federal regulations dating back to the late 1960s, only a single licensed entity — the University of Mississippi — is permitted to cultivate and provide cannabis for clinical research purposes. 

…This monopoly has stifled clinical investigations into the marijuana plant. Notably, the cannabis grown by the University is often of inferior quality and fails to accurately reflect the types of varieties commercially available in the United States. 

Further, the University only provides scientists with the option to access herbal cigarette formulations of the plant, not concentrates, edibles, or extracts —varieties that are commonly available in legal states. 

…(CBD) — a chemical of particular interest to many scientists — are also not currently available from the University.

…So, should we take the DEA’s pledge seriously this time? Arguably, the answer is no. Notably, the agency’s latest pronouncement provides no time-table for action, and in fact, lays the groundwork for even further delays. 

DEA’s latest promise to facilitate medical cannabis research should be viewed with skepticism | TheHill

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