Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026

Sponsor: Dina Titus (Democratic-NV)April 20, 2026

AI-generated ?

Report an error

Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

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.

Lets colleges more easily research marijuana and its potential medical and agricultural uses.

This bill would make it easier for colleges and universities to study marijuana. It would simplify the process for getting research licenses, allow them to get marijuana from state governments, and protect students and researchers who participate. It also authorizes funding for grants to study marijuana's medical and agricultural uses.

What Would Change

Today, colleges face significant federal hurdles to research marijuana, including a complex licensing process and difficulty obtaining research materials. Students and researchers can also risk federal aid or immigration status by participating. After this bill, the licensing process would be simpler, colleges could get marijuana from state or tribal governments, and students and researchers would be protected from losing federal aid or facing immigration issues for their participation.

Key Provisions

Would make it a priority for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to approve marijuana research licenses for colleges and state or local government groups.
Would let colleges in states or tribal lands where marijuana is legal get marijuana from state or tribal governments or law enforcement for research.
Would protect students and researchers from losing federal student aid, other federal funding, or facing immigration issues for participating in approved marijuana research.
Would authorize $15 million to be appropriated each year from the government's budget year 2026 to 2030 for colleges to study marijuana for medical or public health benefits.
Would authorize $15 million to be appropriated each year from the government's budget year 2026 to 2030 for colleges to study marijuana for farming purposes.

View on Congress.gov

HR 8394 · 119th Congress · April 20, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity