The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease and named after the actor of the same name who suffers from the disease, has announced its support for three cannabis reform bills currently under discussion in the US Congress.
Ted Thompson, the organization's vice-president of public policy, explained that removing barriers to medical cannabis research "is one way in which Congress can help scientific researchers determine the benefits of medical cannabis for Parkinson disease".
"The MJFF is in favor of facilitated access to cannabis for medical research. Congress has begun to recognize this need and several bills have been passed in the US House and Senate to remove barriers that prevent medical researchers from accessing cannabis in a safe and lawful manner. " the foundation on its website.
The MJFF public policy team follows these bills and strives to educate members of Congress about their importance to the Parkinson's community. "
Specifically, the MJFF is seeking support for the passage of the Medical Cannabis Research Act , which would protect federal research institutes wishing to study cannabis from federal prosecution. The bill would also require the Department of Veterans Affairs to inform patients of opportunities to participate in federally approved cannabis studies. In addition, this bill would require the DEA to approve more federal institutions for the cultivation of cannabis for research, a process that has been delayed for several years.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has long supported reforms . She recently posted a video to answer questions about how medical cannabis could help people with Parkinson's disease.