The Drug Enforcement Administration has made it possible for businesses to apply for registrations to cultivate cannabis for medical use. Approved growers will expand the diversity of cannabis strains available for researchers in the medical cannabis field.

Additional registered cultivators in medical cannabis research

In recent years, the entities registered by the DEA to participate in medical cannabis research has grown significantly. With the total number standing at 542 as of January 2019, a 40% increase from 384 January 2017. Effectively doubling the production numbers for cannabis due to higher usage projections.

William P. Barr, Attorney General, had this to say: “The DEA is moving ahead with its look into applications for entities who seek to cultivate cannabis legally in the support of medical research. The Department of Justice will support our colleagues.”

Uttam Dhillon, Acting DEA Administrator, had this to say: “The DEA is moving ahead to register cannabis growers and cultivators for federally approved research. Including participation with other coordinating agencies to ensure the program is met without resistance.”

Registration will not be necessary for hemp growers

The notice also provides new updates regarding the amendment to the federal law. Hemp, a form of cannabis, will not require registration with the DEA to grow or cultivate.

The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act amended the cannabis definition to exclude plants with at 0.3% or less THC measured in dry weight. All hemp, including CBD (cannabidiol) meeting or beneath the 0.3% threshold does not require registration with the DEA for cultivation.

Emerging grower regulations

The DEA is set to set forth new regulations for cannabis growers participating in medical research. Ensuring the DEA can measure and evaluate applications with transparency. This new process will give both applicants along with the public, a chance to remark on which regulations should govern the medical cannabis discovery and research programs.

The full text of this notice can be found at at www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current.

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