H.R. 2618 - 104th Congress
Title: To provide for the therapeutic use of marihuana in situations
involving life-threatening or sense-threatening illnesses and to provide
adequate supplies of marihuana for such use.
Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 11/10/1995)
Cosponsors (18)
Latest Major Action: 12/11/1995 Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
SUMMARY AS OF:
11/10/1995 — Introduced.
Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to authorize the medical
prescription of marihuana, subject to regulations to be promulgated by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office
for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs which shall be
responsible for regulating, administering, and supervising the domestic
production of marihuana for distribution for medical, scientific, and
research purposes.
Directs the Secretary to take all necessary actions to secure and
maintain a supply of marihuana adequate for the legitimate medical,
research, scientific, and export needs of the United States.
Directs: (1) the Office or its delegates, within four months of the
end of the harvest of marihuana grown by registered bidders pursuant to
contract with the Office, to take physical possession of the marihuana
harvested; and (2) the Secretary to declare that a state of emergency
exists if a supply of marihuana adequate to meet domestic medical,
scientific, and research needs is not obtained through contractual
arrangements with domestic registered bidders, in which case the
Secretary shall make arrangements for the direct importation by the
Office of an adequate supply, subject to specified requirements.
Sets forth procedures for: (1) physicians to file written
applications with the Office seeking permission to use marihuana in
their practices; and (2) hospitals and pharmacies to obtain supplies of
marihuana.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) set a price for marihuana that will
recoup, within a reasonable time, all of the costs incurred by the
Government in producing, processing, and distributing marihuana; and (2)
promulgate regulations to ensure an adequate supply of medically usable
marihuana and to ensure proper safeguards to prevent its diversion to
other than legitimate channels.
Sets penalties for using an order form for the distribution of
medicinal marihuana in a manner prohibited under the CSA or to furnish
such a form in violation of the CSA.
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that: (1)
the approval of the Secretary shall not be required for the introduction
or delivery of marihuana into interstate commerce in compliance with
the CSA; and (2) marihuana is defined as a prescription drug for
specified purposes and only physicians who are eligible to obtain
marihuana under the CSA may issue written prescriptions authorizing the
dispensing of marihuana.
Authorizes appropriations.
Sets forth interim provisions.
