Why Medical Marijuana Research Is Gaining Support From the GOP

There's currently a lot of roadblocks to researching medical marijuana – and a growing number of people in Congress want that to change. James MacDonald/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Members of Congress from across the political spectrum are pushing for pot research – but can they change Jeff Sessions' mind?

Some Utah residents are working overtime to get medical marijuana on the state’s ballot next year. They seem to have just gotten a surprising new Republican ally in their effort – Senator Orrin Hatch.

DC Lawmaker Wants To Let People Get Medical Marijuana Without Doctor Approval

MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Under the laws of 29 states and Washington, D.C., patients seeking medical marijuana must get official recommendations from doctors. But a local lawmaker in the nation's capital is looking to change that.

Top Republican senator introduces a medical marijuana research bill, says it's 'high time' to address in pun-filled statement

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) speaks to reporters. Thomson Reuters

Senator Orrin Hatch introduced a bipartisan bill  Wednesday to facilitate medical marijuana research in an especially pun-filled manner. 

House Committee Blocks Medical Marijuana Protections

Two days of lobbying by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (left), seen here with Rep. Jared Polis, couldn't save his amendment.

In a significant blow to medical marijuana advocates, patients, and cannabis companies around the nation, the House Rules Committee has blocked protections for MMJ patients and banks that want to serve state-legal cannabis businesses.

American Veterinarian Group Gets Behind Cannabis Rescheduling

A leading veterinary organization is joining the fight to reschedule cannabis in an effort to speed research into the plant’s effects on our furry friends.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) approved a resolution at its conference last month to begin exploring how to advocate that cannabis be rescheduled federally, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule II. The move would increase opportunities to research cannabis for therapeutic use among both animals and humans.