Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019

To amend the Controlled Substances Act to reduce the gap between Federal and State marijuana policy, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Title I—Federalism in marijuana policy Sec. 101. Elimination of criminal penalties for certain persons complying with State law. Title II—Removing business and banking barriers Sec. 201. Allowance of deductions and credits relating to expenditures in connection with marijuana sales conducted in compliance with State law. Sec. 202. Marijuana print advertising. Sec. 203. Safe harbor for marijuana broadcast advertising. Sec. 204. Access to banking. Sec. 205. Requirements for filing suspicious activity reports. Sec. 206. Bankruptcy protection. Sec. 207. Tribal marijuana sovereignty. Title III—Individual protections Sec. 301. Expungement of criminal records for certain marijuana-related offenses. Sec. 302. Limit on drug testing for applicants for Federal employment. Sec. 303. Fair access to education. Sec. 304. Civil forfeiture exemption for marijuana facilities authorized by State law. Sec. 305. Prohibition on inadmissibility or deportation of aliens who comply with State law. Sec. 306. Drug-related criminal activity in federally assisted housing. Title IV—Medical marijuana research and access Sec. 401. Medical Marijuana Research Act. Sec. 402. Provision by health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs of recommendations and opinions regarding veteran participation in State marijuana programs. Sec. 403. Provision by medical professionals of the Indian Health Service of recommendations and opinions regarding participation in State marijuana programs. 2. Definitions In this Act— (1) the term depository institution (A) a depository institution as defined in section 3(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1813(c) (B) a Federal credit union as defined in section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1752 (C) a State credit union as defined in section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1752 (2) the term Indian country (3) the term Indian tribe Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 (4) the term marijuana 21 U.S.C. 802 (5) the term marijuana derivative (6) the term marijuana product (7) the term marijuana-related business (A) participates in any business or organized activity that involves handling marijuana or marijuana products, including selling, transporting, displaying, dispensing, or distributing marijuana or marijuana products; and (B) engages in such activity pursuant to a law established by a State, a unit of local government, or an Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country in which the activity occurs; and (8) the term State I Federalism in marijuana policy 101. Elimination of criminal penalties for certain persons complying with State law Section 708 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 903 (1) by striking No provision (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Compliance with State law Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this title relating to marihuana shall not apply to any person acting in compliance with State law or the law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country, as defined in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code, where the conduct occurs relating to— (1) the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, laboratory testing, or delivery of marihuana; or (2) the provision of ancillary services related to the activities described in paragraph (1), such as legal representation, payment processing, advertising, security services, scientific and safety testing, or property leasing. . II Removing business and banking barriers 201. Allowance of deductions and credits relating to expenditures in connection with marijuana sales conducted in compliance with State law (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Small Business Tax Equity Act of 2019 (b) Allowance Section 280E , unless such trade or business consists of marijuana sales conducted in compliance with State law or the law of the Indian tribe, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 (c) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act. 202. Marijuana print advertising (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Marijuana Advertising In Legal States Act MAILS Act (b) Marijuana print advertising Section 403(c)(1) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 843(c)(1) This paragraph does not apply to an advertisement to the extent that the advertisement relates to an activity, involving marihuana, that is in compliance with the law of the State or the law of the Indian tribe, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 203. Safe harbor for marijuana broadcast advertising (a) Communications Act of 1934 Section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 309 (m) Safe harbor for marijuana broadcast advertising (1) Definitions In this subsection— (A) the term covered activity (B) the term Indian country (C) the term Indian tribe Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 (D) the term marijuana 21 U.S.C. 802 (E) the term media of mass communications (2) Safe harbor In determining whether to grant an application for a license or permit (including for the renewal of a license or permit) under this section, the Commission shall not consider the broadcast by any medium of mass communications of any advertising or other information pertaining to any aspect of a covered activity to be contrary to the public interest, convenience, and necessity, if the covered activity, and the advertising thereof, does not violate the law of— (A) the State, or the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country, in which the transmission point of the subject medium of mass communications is located; or (B) with respect to a radio or television station, the State, or the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country, in which the station's community of license is or is proposed to be located. . (b) Controlled Substances Act Section 708 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 903 (1) in subsection (a), by striking subsection (b) subsections (b) and (c) (2) in subsection (b), by striking Notwithstanding Subject to subsection (c) and notwithstanding (3) by adding at the end the following: (c) Compliance with State or tribal law relating to marijuana broadcast advertising (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this title relating to marijuana shall not apply to the broadcast by any medium of mass communications of any advertising or other information pertaining to any aspect of a covered activity if the covered activity, and the advertising thereof, does not violate the law of— (A) the State, or the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country, in which the transmission point of the subject medium of mass communications is located; or (B) with respect to a radio or television station, the State, or the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country, in which the station’s community of license is located. (2) Broadcasts calculated to induce travel from non-legal jurisdictions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the broadcast by any medium of mass communications of any advertising or other information pertaining to any aspect of a covered activity that is calculated to induce residents of a non-legal jurisdiction to travel to another State or other area of Indian country to purchase marijuana. (d) Definitions For purposes of this section— (1) the term covered activity (2) the term Indian country (3) the term Indian tribe Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 (4) the term media of mass communications 47 U.S.C. 309(i)(3)(C) (5) the term non-legal jurisdiction (A) a State in which the purchase of marijuana is prohibited under State law; or (B) Indian country in which the purchase of marijuana is prohibited under the law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country. . 204. Access to banking (a) Definitions In this section— (1) the term Federal banking regulator (2) the term financial service 12 U.S.C. 5481 (3) the term manufacturer (4) the term producer (b) Safe harbor for depository institutions A Federal banking regulator may not— (1) terminate or limit the deposit insurance of a depository institution under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1811 12 U.S.C. 1751 (2) prohibit, penalize, or otherwise discourage a depository institution from providing financial services to a marijuana-related business; (3) recommend, incentivize, or encourage a depository institution not to offer financial services to a person, or to downgrade or cancel the financial services offered to a person solely because— (A) the person is a manufacturer or producer of marijuana; (B) the person is the owner, operator, or an employee of a marijuana-related business; (C) the person later becomes an owner, operator, or employee of a marijuana-related business; or (D) the depository institution was not aware that the person is the owner, operator, or an employee of a marijuana-related business; or (4) take any adverse or corrective supervisory action on a loan to an owner, operator, or employee of— (A) a marijuana-related business solely because the owner, operator, or employee is an owner, operator, or employee of a marijuana-related business; or (B) real estate or equipment that is leased to a marijuana-related business solely because the owner or operator of the real estate or equipment leased the real estate or equipment to a marijuana-related business. (c) Prohibition on denying master accounts to depository institutions because of marijuana-Related funds Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may not deny a master account to a depository institution solely on the basis that the depository institution accepts deposits of funds from marijuana-related businesses. (d) Protections under Federal law (1) Investigation and prosecution A depository institution that provides financial services to a marijuana-related business, or the officers, directors, and employees of that business, shall be immune from Federal criminal prosecution or investigation for providing those services. (2) Federal criminal law A depository institution that provides financial services to a marijuana-related business, or the officers, directors, and employees of that business, shall not be subject to a criminal penalty under any Federal law solely for providing those services or for further investing any income derived from such services. (3) Forfeiture A depository institution that has a legal interest in the collateral for a loan made to an owner, operator, or employee of a marijuana-related business, or to an owner or operator of real estate or equipment that is leased to a marijuana-related business, shall not be subject to criminal, civil, or administrative forfeiture of that legal interest pursuant to any Federal law for providing such loan. (e) Rule of construction Nothing in this section requires a depository institution to provide financial services to a marijuana-related business. 205. Requirements for filing suspicious activity reports (a) Definition In this section, the term deposit account records (1) means account ledgers, signature cards, certificates of deposit, passbooks, corporate resolutions authorizing accounts in the possession of the depository institution, and other books and records of the depository institution, including records maintained by computer, which relate to the depository institution's deposit taking function; and (2) does not include account statements, deposit slips, items deposited, or cancelled checks. (b) Suspicious activity reports (1) In general A depository institution or any director, officer, employee, or agent of a depository institution shall not be required to report a suspicious transaction as prescribed by the guidance issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network titled BSA Expectations Regarding Marijuana-Related Businesses (A) the depository institution reasonably believes, based on customer due diligence, that the marijuana-related businesses to which it is providing financial services does not implicate one of the priorities outlined in the document entitled Memorandum for All United States Attorneys: Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement (B) the deposit account records of the depository institution— (i) include— (I) identifying information of the account holder and related parties; and (II) addresses of the account holder and related parties; and (ii) state that— (I) the account holder is engaged in a marijuana-related business; and (II) no additional suspicious activity has been identified. (2) Safe harbor A depository institution or any director, officer, employee, or agent of a depository institution that reports a suspicious transaction relating to a marijuana-related business shall be considered to have met the requirements of the guidance described in paragraph (1). 206. Bankruptcy protection Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a marijuana-related business shall be entitled to— (1) relief under chapter 7, 11, or 13 of title 11, United States Code; and (2) convert a case in accordance with section 706, 1112, or 1307 of title 11, United States Code, as applicable. 207. Tribal marijuana sovereignty (a) In general The fact that an Indian tribe, a member of an Indian tribe, or a tribal entity is producing, purchasing, or in possession of marijuana in compliance with the law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country, as defined in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code, where the conduct occurs shall not be considered when— (1) allocating or distributing Federal funds or other Federal benefits to the Indian tribe, a member of an Indian tribe, or the tribal entity; (2) determining the eligibility of the Indian tribe or the tribal entity for any contract, grant, or other agreement with the United States, or the renewal or modification thereof, where the legal production, purchase, or possession of marijuana by the Indian tribe or a member of an Indian tribe would otherwise disqualify the Indian tribe from eligibility; (3) evaluating the ongoing compliance of the Indian tribe or the tribal entity with any contract, grant, or other agreement with the United States where the legal production, purchase, or possession of marijuana by the Indian tribe or a member of an Indian tribe would otherwise result in the Indian tribe or tribal entity being out of compliance; and (4) determining if the Indian tribe or a member of an Indian tribe is eligible for Federal benefits for which the Indian tribe or a member of an Indian tribe would otherwise be eligible. (b) Clarification This subsection shall not prohibit consideration of income from the legal production, purchase, or possession of marijuana to the same extent that the other legal income would be considered when allocating or distributing Federal funds or determining eligibility for Federal benefits. (c) Definitions For purposes of this subsection: (1) Tribal entity The term tribal entity (A) tribal organizations as defined in section 4(l) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 ( 25 U.S.C. 5304(l) (B) tribally designated housing entities as defined in section 4(22) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 ( 25 U.S.C. 4103(22) (C) Indian-owned businesses and tribal enterprises as defined in paragraphs (5) and (8) of section 3 of the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 ( 25 U.S.C. 4302 (2) Legally authorized The term legally authorized (A) the United States; (B) the State where the lands held in fee by an Indian tribe or held in trust by the United States for the benefit on behalf of that Indian tribe are located; or (C) an Indian tribe. III Individual protections 301. Expungement of criminal records for certain marijuana-related offenses (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Clean Slate for Marijuana Offenses Act of 2019 (b) Expungement Chapter 229 D Expungement Sec. 3631. Expungement of certain criminal records in limited circumstances. 3632. Requirements for expungement. 3633. Procedure for expungement. 3634. Effect of expungement. 3635. Disclosure of expunged records. 3631. Expungement of certain criminal records in limited circumstances (a) In general Any individual convicted of a qualifying marijuana-related offense who fulfills the requirements of section 3632 may, upon petition for expungement made in accordance with this subchapter, obtain an order granting expungement under this subchapter. (b) Definition of qualifying marijuana-Related offense In this subchapter, the term qualifying marijuana-related offense (1) was legal under the State law or the law of the Indian tribe at the time of the offense; or (2) was the possession of marijuana in a quantity not greater than 1 ounce. (c) Definitions In this subchapter— (1) the term Indian country (2) the term Indian tribe Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 (3) the term State 3632. Requirements for expungement No individual shall be eligible for an order of expungement under this subchapter unless, before filing a petition under this subchapter, such individual fulfills all requirements of the sentence for the conviction for which expungement is sought, including completion of any term of imprisonment or period of probation, meeting all conditions of a supervised release, and paying all fines. 3633. Procedure for expungement (a) Petition An individual may file a petition for expungement of a conviction in the court in which the conviction was obtained. A copy of the petition shall be served by the court upon the United States Attorney for the judicial district of that court. (b) Opportunity for Government To contest petition Not later than 60 days after the date a copy of a petition is served on the Government under subsection (a), the Government may, if the Government determines the facts do not support the petition, inform the court and the petitioner that the Government opposes granting expungement. If the Government does so inform the court and the petitioner, the court shall allow the Government and the petitioner an opportunity to present evidence and argument relating to the petition. (c) Court-Ordered expungement If, after the passage of the 60-day period described in subsection (a) or earlier, if the Government informs the court it will not oppose granting expungement or if proceedings related to that opposition have been completed, the court determines the preponderance of the evidence before the court supports the granting of expungement under this subchapter, the court shall issue an order granting that expungement. If the court determines the petition is not supported by the preponderance of the evidence before the court, the court shall deny the petition. 3634. Effect of expungement (a) In general An order granting expungement under this subchapter restores the individual concerned, in the contemplation of the law, to the status that individual occupied before the arrest or the institution of criminal proceedings for the offense for which expungement is granted. (b) No disqualification; statements After an order under this subchapter granting expungement of an individual’s criminal records, that individual is not required to divulge information pertaining to the expunged conviction. The fact that such individual has been convicted of the criminal offense concerned shall not operate as a disqualification of that individual to pursue or engage in any lawful activity, occupation, or profession. Such individual is not guilty of any perjury, false answering, or making a false statement by reason of that individual’s failure to recite or acknowledge such arrest or institution of criminal proceedings, or results thereof, in response to an inquiry made of that individual for any purpose. (c) Records To be destroyed Except as provided in section 3635, upon order of expungement, all official law enforcement and court records, including all references to such person’s arrest for the offense, the institution of criminal proceedings against the individual, and the results thereof, except publicly available court opinions or briefs on appeal, shall be permanently destroyed. 3635. Disclosure of expunged records (a) Index To assist authorized disclosure The Department of Justice shall maintain a nonpublic manual or computerized record of expungement under this subchapter containing only the name of, and alphanumeric identifiers selected by the Department of Justice that relate to, the persons who obtained expungement under this subchapter, and the order of expungement. (b) Authorized disclosure to individual Information in the index shall be made available only to the individual to whose expungement it pertains or to such individual’s designated agent. (c) Punishment for improper disclosure Whoever knowingly discloses information relating to an expunged conviction other than as authorized in this subchapter shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. . (c) Clerical amendment The table of subchapters at the beginning of chapter 229 D. Expungement 3631 . (d) Effective Date The amendments made by this section apply to individuals convicted of an offense before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act. 302. Limit on drug testing for applicants for Federal employment (a) Definition In this section, the term covered position (b) Prohibition If an applicant for a covered position used marijuana in accordance with the law of a State or the law of an Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country in which the use occurred, before, on, or after the date on which the application is submitted, no agency, establishment, or other appointing authority in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Federal Government may— (1) require the applicant to submit to a test that screens for the use of marijuana; or (2) in determining whether to appoint the applicant to the covered position— (A) use the results of a test indicating that an applicant for a covered position used marijuana, in whole or in part; or (B) use any evidence that the applicant used marijuana. 303. Fair access to education (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Fair Access to Education Act of 2019 (b) Exclusion of misdemeanor marijuana possession offenses from drug-Related offenses resulting in suspension of eligibility for financial assistance for higher education Section 484(r)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(1) controlled substance , but not including any misdemeanor offense for possession of marihuana (as such term is defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 802 (c) Applicability; resumption of eligibility (1) Applicability The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to convictions for offenses described in the matter inserted by such amendment occurring before, on, and after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Resumption of eligibility Any student whose eligibility for grants, loans, and work assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070 304. Civil forfeiture exemption for marijuana facilities authorized by State law Section 511(a)(7) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 881(a)(7) (1) by striking (7) All (7)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), all (2) by adding at the end the following: (B) No real property, including any right, title, and interest in the whole of any lot or tract of land and any appurtenances or improvements, shall be subject to forfeiture under subparagraph (A) due to marijuana-related conduct that is authorized by State law or the law of the Indian tribe, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 . 305. Prohibition on inadmissibility or deportation of aliens who comply with State law (a) Prohibition on inadmissibility Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) other than an act involving marijuana that is permitted under the laws of a State or the law of an Indian tribe, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 802)), (b) Prohibition on deportation Section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) marijuana, marijuana or an offense involving marijuana that is permitted under the laws of a State or the law of an Indian tribe, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 306. Drug-related criminal activity in federally assisted housing (a) In general Section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 ( 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b) (1) by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following: (9) Drug-related criminal activity The term drug-related criminal activity (A) means the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use, of a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 802 (B) does not include the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use, of marijuana if such activity is conducted in compliance with State law or the law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the activity occurs. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (14) Indian country The term Indian country (15) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 25 U.S.C. 5304 (16) Marijuana The term marijuana 21 U.S.C. 802 . (b) Technical and conforming amendments (1) Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 Section 576 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 ( 42 U.S.C. 13661 (as such term is defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 ( 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b) (2) United States Housing Act of 1937 The United States Housing Act of 1937 ( 42 U.S.C. 1437 (A) in section 6(l) ( 42 U.S.C. 1437d(l) (i) by redesignating the second paragraph designated as paragraph (7) (relating to violations as cause for termination of tenancy) as paragraph (8); (ii) in paragraph (9), by redesignating paragraph (2) as subparagraph (B), and adjusting the margins accordingly; and (iii) by striking the flush text following paragraph (9)(B), as so redesignated; and (B) in section 8(f) ( 42 U.S.C. 1437f(f) (i) by striking paragraph (5); and (ii) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively. IV Medical marijuana research and access 401. Medical Marijuana Research Act (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019 (b) Definitions In this section— (1) the term qualified medical marijuana researcher 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3) (2) the term Secretary (c) Production and supply (1) In general The Secretary— (A) until the date on which the Secretary determines that manufacturers and distributors (other than the Federal Government) can ensure a sufficient supply of marijuana for qualified medical marijuana researchers, shall— (i) continue to produce marijuana through the National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program; and (ii) offer for sale immature marijuana plants and the seeds of marijuana— (I) to all qualified medical marijuana researchers who submit a request for such plants or seeds to engage in research pursuant to section 303(f)(3) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3) (II) in quantities sufficient to produce an adequate supply of marijuana for such research; and (B) beyond the date specified in subparagraph (A), may, at the Secretary’s discretion, continue to so produce and supply marijuana. (2) Requirement to verify registration Before supplying marijuana to any person through the National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program, the Secretary shall— (A) require the person to submit documentation demonstrating that the person is a qualified medical marijuana researcher seeking to conduct research pursuant to the section 303(f)(3) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3) (B) not later than 30 days after receipt of such documentation, review such documentation and verify that the marijuana will be used for such research. (3) Guidelines on production The Commissioner of Food and Drugs, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, shall— (A) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, issue guidelines on the production of marijuana by qualified medical marijuana researchers pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(ii); and (B) encourage researchers and manufacturers that are authorized to produce or manufacture marijuana pursuant to section 303 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 823 (4) Definition In this subsection, the term immature marijuana plant (d) Facilitating marijuana research (1) In general Section 303(f) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 823(f) (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively; (B) by striking (f) The Attorney General (f)(1) The Attorney General (C) by striking Registration applications (2) Registration applications ; (D) in paragraph (2), as so designated, by striking schedule I schedule I, except marijuana, (E) by striking Article 7 (4) Article 7 ; and (F) by inserting before paragraph (4), as so designated, the following: (3) (A) The Attorney General shall register a practitioner to conduct research with marijuana if— (i) the applicant is authorized to dispense, or conduct research with respect to, controlled substances in schedules II, III, IV, and V under the laws of the State in which the applicant practices; (ii) the applicant’s research protocol— (I) has been reviewed and allowed by— (aa) the Secretary under section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 355(i) (bb) the National Institutes of Health or another Federal agency that funds scientific research; or (II) in the case of nonhuman research that is not federally funded, has been voluntarily submitted by the applicant to, and approved by, the National Institutes of Health; and (iii) the applicant has demonstrated that there are effective procedures in place to adequately safeguard against diversion of the marijuana from legitimate medical or scientific use, in accordance with subparagraph (E). (B) The Attorney General shall grant an application for registration under this paragraph unless the Attorney General determines that the issuance of the registration would be inconsistent with the public interest. In determining the public interest, the following factors shall be considered: (i) The applicant's experience in dispensing, or conducting research with respect to, controlled substances. (ii) The applicant's conviction record under Federal or State laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances. (iii) Compliance with applicable State, Federal, or local laws relating to controlled substances. (iv) Such other conduct by the applicant that may threaten the public health and safety. (C) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019 (i) allows a researcher to voluntarily submit the research protocol of the researcher for review and approval; and (ii) provides a researcher described in clause (i) with a decision not less than 30 days after the date on which the research protocol is submitted. (D) (i) Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Attorney General receives a complete application for registration under this paragraph, the Attorney General shall approve or deny the application. (ii) For purposes of clause (i), an application shall be deemed complete when the applicant has submitted documentation showing that the requirements under subparagraph (A) are satisfied. (E) (i) A researcher registered under this paragraph shall store marijuana to be used in research in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet. (ii) Except as provided in clause (i), any security measures required by the Attorney General for practitioners conducting research with marijuana pursuant to a registration under this paragraph shall be consistent with the security measures for practitioners conducting research on other controlled substances in schedule II that have a similar risk of diversion and abuse. (F) (i) If the Attorney General grants an application for registration under this paragraph, the applicant may amend or supplement the research protocol without reapplying if the applicant does not— (I) change the type of drug, the source of the drug, or the conditions under which the drug is stored, tracked, or administered; or (II) otherwise increase the risk of diversion. (ii) If an applicant amends or supplements the research protocol or initiates research on a new research protocol under clause (i), the applicant shall, in order to renew the registration under this paragraph, provide notice to the Attorney General of the amended or supplemented research protocol or any new research protocol in the applicant's renewal materials. (iii) (I) If an applicant amends or supplements a research protocol and the amendment or supplement involves a change to the type of drug, the source of the drug, or conditions under which the drug is stored, tracked, or administered or otherwise increases the risk of diversion, the applicant shall provide notice to the Attorney General not later than 30 days before proceeding on such amended or supplemental research or new research protocol, as the case may be. (II) If the Attorney General does not object during the 30-day period following a notification under subclause (I), the applicant may proceed with the amended or supplemental research or new research protocol. (iv) The Attorney General may object to an amended or supplemental protocol or a new research protocol under clause (i) or (iii) only if additional security measures are needed to safeguard against diversion or abuse. (G) If marijuana or a compound of marijuana is listed on a schedule other than schedule I, the provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) that apply to research with a controlled substance in the applicable schedule shall apply to research with marijuana or that compound, as applicable, in lieu of the provisions of subparagraphs (A) through (F) of this paragraph. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 102(16) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 802(16) or marijuana The term marihuana (e) Manufacture and distribution of marijuana for use in legitimate, medical research Section 303 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 823 (k) Registration of persons To manufacture and distribute marijuana for use in legitimate, medical research (1) Registration of manufacturers Beginning not later than the day that is 1 year after the date of enactment of the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019 (A) take into consideration— (i) maintenance of effective controls against diversion of marijuana and any controlled substance compounded therefrom into other than legitimate medical, scientific, or research channels; (ii) compliance with applicable State and local law; and (iii) prior conviction record of the applicant under Federal or State laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of such substances; and (B) not take into consideration any factors other than the factors listed in subparagraph (A). (2) Registration of distributors Beginning not later than the day that is 1 year after the date of enactment of the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019 (A) take into consideration— (i) maintenance of effective controls against diversion of marijuana and any controlled substance compounded therefrom into other than legitimate medical, scientific, or research channels; (ii) compliance with applicable State and local law; (iii) prior conviction record of the applicant under Federal or State laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of such substances; and (iv) past experience in the distribution of controlled substances, and the existence in the establishment of effective controls against diversion; and (B) not take into consideration any factors other than the factors listed in subparagraph (A). (3) No limit on number of manufacturers and distributors Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General shall not impose or implement any limit on the number of persons eligible to be registered to manufacture or distribute marijuana pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2). (4) Requirement to verify use for legitimate, medical research As a condition on registration under this section to manufacture or distribute marijuana, the Attorney General shall require the registrant— (A) to require any person to whom the marijuana will be supplied to submit documentation demonstrating that the marijuana will be used exclusively by qualified medical marijuana researchers for research pursuant to subsection (f)(3); and (B) not later than 30 days after receipt of such documentation, and before supplying the marijuana to such person, to review such documentation and verify that the marijuana will be so used. (5) Timing Not later than 30 days after receipt of a request for registration under this subsection to manufacture or distribute marijuana, the Attorney General shall— (A) grant or deny the request; and (B) in the case of a denial, provide a written explanation of the basis for the denial. (6) Definition For purposes of this subsection, the term qualified medical marijuana researcher . (f) Termination of interdisciplinary review process for non-NIH-Funded researchers The Secretary may not— (1) reinstate the Public Health Service interdisciplinary review process described in the guidance entitled Guidance on Procedures for the Provision of Marijuana for Medical Research (2) create an additional review of scientific protocols that is only conducted for research on marijuana other than the review of research protocols performed at the request of a researcher conducting nonhuman research that is not federally funded, in accordance with section 303(f)(3)(A)(ii)(II) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 823(f)(3)(A)(ii)(II) (g) Consideration of results of research Immediately upon the approval by the Food and Drug Administration of an application for a marijuana-based drug under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 355 (1) conduct a review of existing medical and other research with respect to marijuana; (2) submit a report to the Congress on the results of such review; and (3) include in such report whether, taking into consideration the factors listed in section 201(c) of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 811(c) (h) No production quotas for marijuana grown for legitimate, medical research Section 306 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 826 (i) The Attorney General may only establish a quota for production of marijuana that is manufactured and distributed in accordance with the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019 . (i) Article 28 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs Article 28 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs shall not be construed to prohibit, or impose additional restrictions upon, research involving marijuana, or the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana, that is conducted in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 (j) No interference by Department of Justice The Attorney General, and any officer or employee of the Department of Justice, shall not interfere with the production, distribution, and sale of marijuana in accordance with this section and the amendments made by this section. 402. Provision by health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs of recommendations and opinions regarding veteran participation in State marijuana programs (a) Short title This section may be cited as the Veterans Equal Access Act of 2019 (b) Authorization Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall authorize physicians and other health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs— (1) to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans who are residents of States with State marijuana programs regarding the participation of veterans in such State marijuana programs; and (2) to complete forms reflecting such recommendations and opinions. 403. Provision by medical professionals of the Indian Health Service of recommendations and opinions regarding participation in State marijuana programs (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, IHS medical professionals are authorized to make medical recommendations to their patients with regard to marijuana and to complete forms reflecting such recommendations. (2) Definitions In this subsection: (A) IHS medical professional The term IHS medical professional 25 U.S.C. 1616a(a)(2) (B) Recommendations The term recommendations 21 U.S.C. 802

Summary: Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2019 This bill removes federal restrictions on, and creates new protections for, marijuana-related conduct and activities that are authorized by state or tribal law (i.e., state-authorized). Among other things, the bill does the following: eliminates regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act for state-authorized marijuana-related activities; allows businesses that sell marijuana in compliance with state or tribal law to claim certain federal tax credits and deductions; eliminates restrictions on print and broadcast advertising of state-authorized marijuana-related activities; creates protections for depository institutions that provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses; specifies that a marijuana-related business is entitled to federal bankruptcy protections; establishes a process to expunge criminal records related to certain marijuana-related convictions; reestablishes federal student aid eligibility for certain students convicted of a misdemeanor offense for marijuana possession; exempts real property from civil forfeiture due to state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; prohibits the inadmissibility or deportability of aliens for state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; specifies that drug-related criminal activity, which is prohibited in federally assisted housing, does not include state-authorized marijuana-related conduct; establishes a new, separate registration process to facilitate medical marijuana research; authorizes health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend participation in state marijuana programs; and authorizes medical providers through an Indian health program to make medical recommendations regarding marijuana.