Vandrey gave APA staff a tour of the BPRU, and he and his team shared challenges about their research, and opportunities for progress and increased advocacy. One such challenge is that federal research restrictions add barriers to the study of cannabinoids’ effects on users, or how much might be safe to use. During the tour, Vandrey and his team explained how these restrictions complicate their research on several drugs, including cannabidiol. APA Services supported the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Actopens in new window (H.R 8454), which became law in 2022, and will ease registration for medical and scientific research on marijuana and its compounds, allowing researchers to help create science-based guidelines for marijuana use. Additionally, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies, is aiming to present President Biden with a federal cannabis scheduling decision based on science this year as agencies work to complete an administrative review.
At the federal level, marijuana is designated as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and is subject to strict study requirements. Yet cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in marijuana, is decriminalized, and in many states, marijuana is fully legal, resulting in increased access to cannabis throughout the country. To address unregulated use of psychoactive hemp derivatives, APA Services recently joined the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and several other organizations in a letter urging the adoption of language in the 2023 Farm Bill (PDF, 104KB)opens in new window to prohibit the manufacturing and sale of intoxicating, psychoactive compounds derived from cannabinoids in hemp.
APA Services also plans to work with Division 28 and Division 50 (Society of Addiction Psychologyopens in new window) to submit comments on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recently published draft guidanceopens in new window to highlight fundamental considerations to researchers investigating the use of psychedelic drugs for potential treatment of medical conditions, including psychiatric or substance use disorders. This is the first FDA draft guidance that presents considerations to industry for designing clinical trials for psychedelic drugs.
The association prioritizes listening to members about ways we can best advocate for psychological scientists. We will continue to advocate for fewer restrictions on drug and behavioral health research, and work to ensure scientists are able to continue making monumental discoveries that help save lives and improve our nation’s health.
For more information, contact Krysta Jones.
