By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
A University of Massachusetts-Amherst professor is appealing a final order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that has stopped him from growing marijuana for medical research purposes.
Appeals Court Hears Oral Arguments in Medical Marijuana Research Case.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit heard oral arguments in the case on May 11, 2012. During the hearing the DEA attempted to get the case thrown out by claiming that the court has no jurisdiction over the issue. The court’s ruling should come in about three months.
To hear the oral arguments presented in this case, click here.
DEA’s Final Order Rejected Administrative Law Judge Recommendation.
The DEA issued a final order to the professor in August 2011. The order rejected a 2007 recommendation by a DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) which stated that it was in the public interest to grant the professor’s research license. To view the DEA’s Final Order, click here. There is already one lab or research facility that is doing something similar to this.
Professor Has Waited Over a Decade for DEA License.
The professor first applied for a DEA license in June 2001. He intended to start a marijuana production facility at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst under contract to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). MAPS is a non-profit research and educational organization that hopes to develop marijuana into an FDA approved prescription medicine.
Appeals Court Ruling Could End Medical Marijuana Research Supply Monopoly.
Both the professor and MAPS have been struggling with the DEA to obtain permission to grow marijuana for FDA-approved research since 2001. The appeals court decision in this case could conclude the eleven year battle and possibly end the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research. A University of Mississippi laboratory funded by NIDA is currently the only facility in the United States permitted to grow marijuana for research (but we can’t reveal where it is).
Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with DEA Actions.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm are experienced in handling all types of DEA cases, including final orders, investigations, DEA registration number revocations and more. If you are currently facing adverse action by the DEA contact one of our attorneys by calling (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001. You can also visit our website for more information at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.
Sources:
Elliot, Steve. “Appeals Court Accepts Challenge of DEA’s Marijuana Research Denial.” Toke of the Town. (May 10, 2012). From:
http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/05/appeals_court_accepts_challenge_of_deas_marijuana.php
MAPS. “MAPS Efforts to Obtain a DEA License for a Medical Marijuana Production Facility.” Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. (2012). From:
http://www.maps.org/research/mmj/
MAPS. “U.S. Appeals Court To Hear Oral Arguments In Case Challenging DEA’s Denial Of License For Medical Marijuana Production Facility.” PR Newswire. (May 10, 2012). From:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-appeals-court-to-hear-oral-arguments-in-case-challenging-deas-denial-of-license-for-medical-marijuana-production-facility-2012-05-10
Smoker, Jay. “Federal Appeals Court Will Hear Case Against DEA For Denying Medical Marijuana Research.” The Weed Blog. (May 11, 2012). From:
http://www.theweedblog.com/federal-appeals-court-will-hear-case-against-dea-for-denying-medical-marijuana-research/
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
