House Rejects Amendment To Make It Easier To Study Psychedelic Drugs
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced an amendment last week that would have removed current stipulations that no federal dollars can be spent on “any activity that promotes the legalization of any drug or other substance in Schedule I.” Cannabis, as we know, is a Schedule I drug.
Almost all universities and many independent research firms, the large drivers of scientific research, rely on federal funding. Under the current stipulation, if such entities try to conduct research on Schedule 1 drugs they are at risk of losing ALL of their federal funding. Research into the benefits of cannabis has suffered for years because of this. The amendment would have done away with the legal hoops and bureaucratic red tape that scientists and universities currently have to work through in order to study the potential medical benefits of controlled substances, many of which have compounds that show promise in treating depression, PTSD, and addiction.
After initial debate it seemed the amendment might pass; however, it was soundly defeated 91-331 during a roll call vote. “No” votes were cast by 148 Democrats who joined all but 7 Republicans to defeat the bill.
To read more on the politics of the bill you can go HERE or HERE
