Tillis Co-Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Research into Medical Value of Marijuana | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

MEDS Act Would Eliminate Excessive Obstacles That Make it Difficult for Researchers to Conduct Valid Medical Studies

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Chris Coons (D-DE) to introduce the Marijuana Effective Drug Studies (MEDS) Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for researchers to study the medical effectiveness and safety of marijuana.

    "When it comes to our nation's efforts to cure diseases and improve the quality of life for people suffering from ailments, burdensome government regulations shouldn't be an impediment to legitimate and responsible medical research," said Senator Tillis. "The MEDS Act is a commonsense, bipartisan effort to remove unnecessary barriers that will give scientists the ability to study the biochemical processes, impact, dosing, risks and possible benefits of cannabidiol and other components of the marijuana plant."

    There is a lack of research evaluating the benefits and risks of the therapeutic compounds extracted from the marijuana plant as a possible medication, in large part because of federal barriers that block valuable scientific and clinical research. As a result, millions of Americans are using a drug for medical purposes without scientific guidance with regards to its effectiveness, safety, dosing, route of administration, or standards for quality control. The MEDS Act promotes scientific research and mitigates a significant public health risk.

• Contact: Daniel Keylin
•     daniel_keylin@tillis.senate.gov