Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act, a medical marijuana bill introduced recently by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.):

“I’m currently reviewing the medical marijuana legislation and look forward to its consideration in the Judiciary Committee.

“I’ve also been working closely with Chairman Grassley to help reduce barriers to marijuana research, which I believe is the next logical step for federal action.

“Chairman Grassley and I have written letters to the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services asking them to determine how we can expand research into potential medical benefits of cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive component of marijuana that may provide relief of seizures for children with intractable epilepsy and other serious illnesses.

“The responses we received indicated some disagreement between agencies. HHS agreed that barriers need to be addressed, but DOJ disagreed. Given this conflict, we are exploring options that would allow this important research to proceed.”

“To date, the federal government has not conducted a scientific, medical analysis of cannabidiol—in isolation from marijuana—to reach a conclusion regarding its medical value, which I believe is necessary.

“While I believe research should move forward, I also believe we should proceed with caution. I remain concerned about the high level of THC in marijuana, which has tripled since the 1980s and increases the likelihood of addiction. This may well be a continuing problem, which could pose a threat to public safety.”

Additional materials:

• Feinstein/Grassley letter to DOJ and HHS
• DOJ response letter
• HHS response letter
• DEA chart showing the increased potency of marijuana