SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6177

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 18, 2016

Title: An act relating to the marijuana research license.

Brief Description: Modifying marijuana research license provisions.

Sponsors: Senator Rivers.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/18/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: In 2015, a marijuana research license was authorized to permit a licensee to produce and possess marijuana to test chemical potency and composition levels; conduct clinical investigations of marijuana-derived drug products; conduct research on the efficacy and safety of administering marijuana as part of a medical treatment; and conduct genomic or agricultural research.

Marijuana research license applicants must submit a description of the research the applicant intends to conduct to the Life Sciences Discovery Fund (LSDF). LSDF must review the project and determine if it meets one of the permitted research purposes. The application is rejected if LSDF does not find that the project is for a permitted research purpose. Fifty percent of the application fee and renewal fees must be deposited to the LSDF.

LSDF was established in 2005 to support the state’s life sciences sector and conduct related research. In 2015, the Legislature transferred $62 million from the LSDF's budget to the state general fund and prohibited the fund from making any grants after July 1, 2015.

Summary of Bill: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), instead of LSDF, is assigned the lead role of reviewing projects submitted by marijuana research license applicants. The LCB must select a scientific reviewer to review the projects. Fifty percent of the application and renewal fees are paid to the scientific reviewer, rather than the LSDF.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2016.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.