Controls To Enhance the Cultivation of Marihuana for Research in the United States, 82333-82355 [2020-27999]

Agencies

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Department of Justice

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 244 (Friday, December 18, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 82333-82355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27999]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

21 CFR Parts 1301 and 1318

[Docket No. DEA-506]
RIN 1117-AB54


Controls To Enhance the Cultivation of Marihuana for Research in 
the United States

AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is amending its 
regulations to facilitate the cultivation of marihuana for research 
purposes and other licit purposes to enhance compliance with the 
Controlled Substances Act, including registering cultivators consistent 
with treaty obligations. This final rule adopts, with minor 
modifications, the notice of proposed rulemaking published on March 23, 
2020, including regulations that govern applications by persons seeking 
to become registered with DEA to grow marihuana as bulk manufacturers, 
and regulations related to the purchase and sale of this marihuana by 
DEA.

DATES: This final rule is effective January 19, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott A. Brinks, Regulatory Drafting 
and Policy Support Section (DPW), Diversion Control Division, Drug 
Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 8701 Morrissette Drive, 
Springfield, Virginia 22152-2639; Telephone: (571) 362-3261.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Legal Authority and Background

    The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) requires all persons who seek 
to manufacture a controlled substance to obtain a DEA registration.\1\ 
21 U.S.C. 822(a)(1). The CSA defines ``manufacture'' to include the 
``production'' of a controlled substance, which in turn includes, among 
other things, the planting, cultivation, growing, or harvesting of a 
controlled substance. 21 U.S.C. 802(15), (22). Thus, any person who 
seeks to plant, cultivate, grow, or harvest marihuana 2 3

[[Page 82334]]

to supply researchers or for other uses permissible under the CSA (such 
as product development) must obtain a DEA manufacturing registration. 
Because marihuana is a schedule I controlled substance, applications by 
persons seeking to become registered to manufacture marihuana are 
governed by 21 U.S.C. 823(a). See generally 76 FR 51403 (2011); 74 FR 
2101 (2009), pet. for rev. denied, Craker v. DEA, 714 F.3d 17 (1st Cir. 
2013). DEA's Administrator has the authority to grant a registration 
under section 823(a). To do so, the Administrator must determine that 
two conditions are satisfied: (1) The registration is consistent with 
the public interest (based on the enumerated factors in section 
823(a)), and (2) the registration is consistent with U.S. obligations 
under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (``Single 
Convention'' or ``Treaty''), 18 U.S.T. 1407.\4\
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    \1\ All functions vested in the Attorney General by the CSA have 
been delegated to the Administrator of DEA. 28 CFR 0.100(b).
    \2\ This document uses both the CSA spelling ``marihuana'' and 
the modern spelling ``marijuana'' interchangeably.
    \3\ As defined in Section 802(16).
    \4\ Section 823(a) provides that the registrations to 
manufacture controlled substances in schedule I or II must be 
``consistent with the public interest and with United States 
obligations under international treaties, conventions, or protocols 
in effect on May 1, 1971.'' The Single Convention entered into force 
for the United States on June 24, 1967. See Single Convention, 18 
U.S.T. 1407.
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    In 2016, DEA issued a policy statement aimed at expanding the 
number of manufacturers who could produce marihuana for research 
purposes. See Applications to Become Registered under the Controlled 
Substances Act to Manufacture Marijuana to Supply Researchers in the 
United States, 81 FR 53846 (Aug. 12, 2016). Subsequently, the 
Department of Justice (DOJ) undertook a review of the CSA, including 
the requirement of section 823(a) that a registration to bulk 
manufacture a schedule I or II controlled substance must be consistent 
with United States obligations under international treaties such as the 
Single Convention, and determined that certain changes to its 2016 
policy were needed. As part of this review, in June 2018, the DOJ 
Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) prepared an opinion (``OLC Opinion''), 
now publicly available, examining DEA's policies and practices for 
granting bulk manufacturing registrations to marihuana growers in light 
of the CSA's requirement that DEA register manufacturers of schedule I 
and II controlled substances in a manner consistent with the Single 
Convention.\5\
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    \5\ That opinion is available at https://www.justice.gov/olc/opinion/licensing-marijuana-cultivation-compliance-single-convention-narcotic-drugs.
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    This rule is being implemented pursuant to the Administrator's 
authority under the CSA ``to promulgate rules and regulations and to 
charge reasonable fees relating to the registration and control of the 
manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances,'' 
21 U.S.C. 821, and to ``promulgate and enforce any rules, regulations, 
and procedures which he may deem necessary and appropriate for the 
efficient execution of his functions under [the CSA],'' 21 U.S.C. 
871(b).

Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    On March 23, 2020, DEA published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) in the Federal Register to (1) facilitate the cultivation of 
marihuana for research and licit purposes in compliance with the CSA, 
including a provision requiring consistency with the Single Convention; 
(2) amend DEA regulations pertaining to applications by persons seeking 
to become registered with DEA to grow marihuana as bulk manufacturers; 
and (3) establish regulations related to the purchase and sale of this 
marihuana by DEA. 85 FR 16292. This final rule responds to comments 
received concerning the proposed rule, and DEA is adopting the proposed 
rule with minor modifications to the regulations to be codified at 21 
CFR 1318.04, as described below.

Discussion of Public Comments

    DEA received comments from the general public, DEA registrants, 
applicants for registration to manufacture marijuana, organizations, 
associations, and a United States Senator. Some commenters expressed 
general support of the proposed rule because it will increase the 
number of DEA-registered bulk manufacturers of marihuana for research. 
Some commenters expressed general concern about the impact of the 
proposed rule. Other commenters expressed specific concerns about, 
among other things, the application process and applicant criteria, 
quality of marihuana produced, DEA's ability and authority to lead the 
program, controls for the purchase and sale of marihuana, harvest time, 
quota, and costs. Other commenters submitted comments that are outside 
of the scope of this rule.

Application Process and Criteria

    Commenters expressed concerns about the application process and the 
criteria for applicants. The following issues raised by the commenters, 
and DEA's response to each, fall under this category.
    Issue 1: Many commenters stated that the approval process for 
applications takes too long and needs to be streamlined, suggesting 
that a timeframe for the approval or denial of applications should be 
determined, specifically within 30 days, 90 days, or six months of 
receipt of the application.
    Response 1: DEA has a process for receiving, reviewing, and acting 
on applications for a DEA registration or re-registration, as described 
in 21 CFR part 1301. The process involves applicants submitting 
applications online or on paper and DEA evaluating all applications and 
supporting documentation submitted in accordance with the factors 
specified in 21 U.S.C. 823. The length of this process varies due to 
the detailed review performed by DEA, and as explained in the NPRM, a 
review of pending applications to manufacture marihuana has been 
delayed due to the need to establish the additional policies reflected 
in this rule. After receiving an application, DEA will send a 
questionnaire to the applicant to be completed and returned to DEA 
within 10 business days. DEA uses the information from the 
questionnaire and the application to determine whether the application 
should be granted under the factors specified in 21 U.S.C. 823. After 
the completed questionnaire is processed, DEA publishes a notice of 
application in the Federal Register, and current registrants and 
applicants for bulk manufacture of the same class of substance have 60 
days to comment on, or object to, the application, as required by 21 
CFR 1301.33. During the application process, DEA investigators also 
complete site visits and submit the appropriate reports to aid in the 
determination of whether to grant a registration. Because the process 
of evaluating an application to manufacture a schedule I controlled 
substance includes a 60-day public comment period, DEA cannot act on 
the application in a shorter timeframe, such as 30 days. Likewise, DEA 
must balance limited resources to conduct pre-registration vetting of 
numerous applicants, which impacts the length of time needed to 
complete the application process. As a result, DEA declines to adopt a 
specific approval date applicable to all applications for registration 
to bulk manufacture marihuana.
    However, in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 823(i), for applications to 
manufacture a schedule I or II controlled substance for use only in a 
clinical trial, DEA will issue a notice of application not later than 
90 days after the application is accepted for filing. Additionally, DEA 
will register the applicant, or serve an order to show cause upon the 
applicant in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 824(c), not later than 90 days 
after the date on which the period

[[Page 82335]]

for comment pursuant to such notice ends, unless DEA has granted a 
hearing on the application under 21 U.S.C. 958(i). An applicant that 
believes it qualifies for review under these procedures should identify 
itself as an 823(i) applicant in its initial application for 
registration submitted to DEA. DEA will then determine whether the 
applicant qualifies for the review timeline specified under section 
823(i).
    Issue 2: Some commenters suggested that when there is a denial, DEA 
should provide notice and allow a hearing.
    Response 2: Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 824(c) and 21 CFR 1301.37, when 
DEA proposes to deny an application, DEA must serve the applicant with 
an order to show cause setting forth the factual and legal basis for 
the proposed denial. The applicant may file a request for a hearing, in 
accordance with 21 CFR 1301.43. If a hearing is requested, DEA will 
hold the hearing in accordance with the provisions for formal 
adjudications set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act and DEA 
regulation found at 21 CFR 1316 subpart D.
    Issue 3: Another commenter stated that DEA used an internal 
memorandum to delay approval of applications to bulk manufacture 
marihuana.
    Response 3: As mentioned in the NPRM, after the 2016 marihuana 
grower policy statement issued by DEA,\6\ DOJ reviewed DEA's policies 
and practices for issuing bulk marihuana manufacturing registrations in 
light of the CSA and determined that DEA needed to amend its 
policies.\7\ DEA has acted as expeditiously as possible to amend its 
policies to ensure consistency with the Single Convention as required 
by the CSA, while increasing the number of marihuana growers for 
research purposes. DOJ and DEA fully support research into the effects 
of marihuana and the potential medical utility of its chemical 
constituents, and DEA is working to expand the number of DEA-registered 
bulk manufacturers of marijuana, including through the finalization of 
this rule.
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    \6\ Applications to Become Registered under the Controlled 
Substances Act to Manufacture Marijuana to Supply Researchers in the 
United States,'' 81 FR 53846 (Aug. 12, 2016).
    \7\ The Attorney General determined that adjustments were 
necessary after receiving the aforementioned advisory OLC Opinion.
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    Issue 4: One commenter requested that DEA make the revised Form 225 
and updated questionnaire available online for applicants.
    Response 4: As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), DEA 
must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
when a rule creates a new information collection or modifies an 
existing collection. This approval must be granted before an agency can 
use a revised form. In the NPRM, DEA discussed the modification of the 
existing information collection which would revise Form 225 and add 
questionnaires to the registration application process. Within the PRA 
section of the NPRM, DEA explained that an interested party could 
contact DEA for a copy of the form and questionnaires. The revision of 
the collection is awaiting approval; and, as such, DEA cannot yet post 
the proposed revisions to the form online for applicants. However, 
after the form has been approved, DEA will post the application to its 
website, and an applicant can complete and submit it online. DEA will 
then send the applicable questionnaires to the applicant after the 
application has been received.
    Issue 5: Some commenters believe that DEA's consideration of an 
applicant's compliance with Federal marihuana law would exclude 
qualified applicants, specifically those who operate in compliance with 
State laws that are inconsistent with Federal law.
    Response 5: Congress has established by statute the factors that 
DEA must consider when evaluating whether to grant an application for 
registration. For an applicant to manufacture a schedule I or II 
controlled substance, DEA must consider, among other factors, the 
applicant's ``compliance with applicable State and local law;'' ``prior 
conviction record . . . under Federal and State laws relating to the 
manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of such substances;'' ``past 
experience in the manufacture of controlled substances, and the 
existence in the establishment of effective control against 
diversion;'' and ``such other factors as may be relevant to and 
consistent with the public health and safety.'' 21 U.S.C. 823(a). An 
applicant that has manufactured marijuana without obtaining a DEA 
registration has violated Federal law, see 21 U.S.C. 841(a), regardless 
of whether that manufacturer has violated the laws of the State in 
which the applicant is located. Such activity is relevant to past 
experience in the manufacture of a schedule I controlled substance, 
past experience in preventing diversion of a controlled substance from 
other than DEA-authorized sources, and the promotion and protection of 
public health and safety. Moreover, prior conduct in violation of the 
CSA is relevant to determining whether the applicant can be entrusted 
with the responsibilities associated with being a DEA registrant. 
Indeed, DEA registration is a fundamental component of the CSA, and it 
is wholly appropriate to consider an applicant's past noncompliance 
with the CSA when deciding whether to grant a registration under the 
Act. DEA will consider all relevant factors for each individual 
applicant, on a case-by-case basis, when determining whether to grant 
registration, as provided for in 21 U.S.C. 823(a) and the regulatory 
text at 21 CFR 1318.05. While the DEA Administrator has discretion to 
weigh the statutory factors and any one factor need not be dispositive, 
an applicant's prior compliance with Federal law is a relevant 
consideration when determining whether to grant an application for 
registration.
    Issue 6: A commenter suggested that a notice of exemption for a new 
drug application issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) be an 
alternative to obtaining a DEA registration.
    Response 6: The CSA requires anyone seeking to manufacture or 
distribute controlled substances to apply for and obtain a DEA 
registration. 21 U.S.C. 822(a)(1). Using FDA's authorization of a 
notice of exemption for a new drug application would not be in 
compliance with the CSA and therefore cannot be considered an 
alternative for obtaining a DEA registration.
    Issue 7: A commenter opined that applicants should only be required 
to submit proof of State-issued marihuana licenses to DEA, after DEA 
approves the application.
    Response 7: The CSA requires anyone seeking to manufacture or 
distribute controlled substances to apply for and obtain a DEA 
registration. 21 U.S.C. 822(a)(1). In assessing the application, DEA 
also weighs the applicant's compliance with applicable State law. 21 
U.S.C. 823(a)(2). DEA has always required applicants seeking to 
manufacture a controlled substance to obtain and submit a valid State 
pharmaceutical manufacturer's license to demonstrate compliance with 
State law. Likewise, an applicant seeking to manufacture marihuana must 
submit evidence that it possesses a valid State manufacturer's license 
as part of its application, or explain why no such license is required 
by the State to manufacture marihuana for use in research. This 
evidence must be submitted to DEA as part of the determination of 
whether to grant a registration.
    Issue 8: Some commenters suggested that the registration 
requirement be waived for marihuana growers (manufacturers) who will be 
supplying

[[Page 82336]]

marihuana to researchers under 21 U.S.C. 822(d).
    Response 8: DEA-registered researchers are not currently allowed to 
obtain marihuana from entities that are not registered with DEA. DEA is 
permitted to waive the registration requirement if it finds that doing 
so is ``consistent with the public health and safety,'' pursuant to 21 
U.S.C. 822(d), and acting under authority delegated by the Attorney 
General. However, DEA has never previously waived the registration 
requirement to allow controlled substances to be manufactured outside 
the closed system of distribution, and doing so would be incompatible 
with the framework of the CSA, which is predicated on registration, 
recordkeeping, and other measures of accountability throughout the 
distribution chain. In addition, waiving the requirement of 
registration for marihuana growers who supply researchers would be 
inconsistent with U.S. obligations under the Single Convention.\8\ It 
should also be noted that supplying marihuana to researchers does not 
demonstrate that the material being supplied has been produced in 
accordance with other Federal laws. As a result, DEA does not consider 
such a waiver of registration for a bulk manufacturer to be a legally 
viable option.
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    \8\ See OLC Op., supra note 5, at 7.
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    The scope of this rule addresses the registration of manufacturers 
of marihuana, not researchers of marihuana. To the degree that the 
commenters were seeking to exempt marihuana researchers, rather than 
manufacturers, from registration, in addition to the foregoing concerns 
about adherence to treaty obligations, DEA does not at this time 
conclude that there is a public health need to exempt schedule I 
researchers from DEA registration. DEA notes that over the last several 
years, there has been a 149 percent increase in the number of active 
researchers registered with DEA to perform bona fide research with 
marihuana, marihuana extracts, and marihuana derivatives (from 237 in 
November 2014 to 589 in June 2020). At present, more researchers are 
registered to conduct research in the United States on marihuana, 
marihuana extracts, and marihuana derivatives than on any other 
schedule I substance, and more than 72 percent of DEA's total schedule 
I research registrant population (589 of 808 as of June 2020) is 
registered to conduct research on these substances. As a result, DEA 
concludes that there is not currently a public health need to exempt 
researchers from the registration requirement.
    Issue 9: Other commenters suggested that DEA-registered researchers 
should be exempt from applying for DEA manufacturer registrations if 
the researchers are growing marihuana for their own studies and not for 
distribution.
    Response 9: As reflected in this rule, any person lawfully growing 
marihuana must be registered with DEA to allow DEA to fulfill its 
obligations under the CSA. For the reasons discussed above, DEA has 
concluded that this requirement cannot be waived for researchers. Thus, 
under this final rule, when an applicant, including a researcher 
growing for his or her own use, is approved to grow marihuana, the 
applicant is registered as a bulk manufacturer. After the applicant is 
approved as a bulk manufacturer, the registrant must apply for and be 
issued an individual manufacturing quota (IMQ) for the amount of 
marihuana it needs to manufacture to meet the legitimate research and 
scientific needs of its customers. If the manufacturer plans to use the 
marihuana grown in bulk for its own research, it will also need to 
apply for a procurement quota. Under this rule, the DEA registrant must 
sell their harvest to DEA and then purchase from DEA the amount that 
they are allowed to procure based on the procurement quota issued to 
them. As such, DEA cannot exempt a researcher from the requirement of a 
DEA manufacturing registration even if they plan to use the marihuana 
grown for their own studies.
    Issue 10: A few commenters suggested applicants who applied to be 
registered to grow marihuana soon after DEA published its 2016 
marihuana growers policy should receive priority over more recent 
applicants. On the other hand, some commenters suggested that DEA 
should not delay consideration of new marihuana grower applications 
submitted after this rule is promulgated, as 21 CFR 1318.05(c) 
provides. In particular, some commenters expressed confusion about the 
``limited exception'' to this delay noted in the NPRM and suggested 
that the limited exception should apply to all applicants.
    Response 10: As previously stated in the NPRM, applications 
received after the date the final rule becomes effective will not be 
considered until all of the applications currently pending have been 
approved or denied, unless an application requires action under 21 
U.S.C. 823(i). Applications already submitted will receive priority, 
and as a result, DEA will not have to restart its consideration of the 
pool of pending applications whenever a new application is submitted.
    As described in the NPRM, the ``limited exception'' refers to the 
review of applications claiming the benefit of the statutory timeline 
of 21 U.S.C. 823(i). Congress has set the timeline for review of such 
applications by statute. That timeline will apply in lieu of the 
provision at 21 CFR 1318.05(c) for applicants that clearly identify 
themselves as 823(i) applicants in their original application, and for 
which DEA determines that the applicant qualifies for review under 
823(i).
    Issue 11: Another commenter suggested that the number of applicants 
selected to bulk manufacture marihuana should be unlimited and that DEA 
should consider the bulk manufacture of marihuana as a coincident 
activity to a researcher registration.
    Response 11: The CSA mandates that DEA consider the maintenance of 
effective controls against diversion by limiting the bulk manufacture 
to a number of establishments which can produce an adequate and 
uninterrupted supply of marihuana under adequately competitive 
conditions for legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial 
purposes. 21 U.S.C. 823(a)(1). By statute, DEA is not allowed to 
register an unlimited amount of manufacturers, and DEA must perform an 
analysis of each application to determine whether the addition of the 
applicant is necessary to provide the adequate and uninterrupted supply 
of marihuana for research needs or whether the legitimate need will be 
met by the registration of others.
    Currently, researchers are only permitted to manufacture as a 
coincident activity in limited quantities as set forth in a protocol 
approved by DEA in the researcher's registration application (or re-
registration application), and to the extent that manufacture is not 
for the purposes of dosage form development. 21 CFR 1301.13(e)(1). A 
researcher's planting, cultivating, growing, or harvesting of marihuana 
does not constitute such a coincident activity to research. Rather, the 
planting, cultivating, growing, or harvesting of marihuana requires a 
manufacturer registration obtained under 21 U.S.C. 823(a), even when 
the researcher is growing the marihuana for his or her own research 
use. See 21 CFR 1301.33(d). As described in response to Issue 9, and in 
the section on quota that follows, international treaties require that 
DEA control manufacturing of marijuana and other schedule I and II 
controlled substances by means of quota. Although regulatory provisions 
allow for the approval of certain small-

[[Page 82337]]

scale manufacturing pursuant to a DEA-approved protocol, significant 
manufacturing, including for research purposes, must be performed 
pursuant to a quota to maintain effective controls against diversion. 
As a result, researchers must register with DEA as manufacturers to 
engage in significant manufacture of controlled substances, even if the 
manufactured substances will exclusively be used in the grower's own 
research.
    In addition, the Single Convention obligates a single government 
agency of the United States to purchase and take possession of all 
marihuana manufactured, and DEA has concluded this includes marihuana 
manufactured for research even when manufactured for use in research by 
the grower. By requiring all planting, cultivating, growing, and 
harvesting of marihuana be performed by DEA registered manufacturers, 
DEA can ensure that the controls set forth in the Single Convention are 
properly applied to all registrations to manufacture marihuana for 
research.
    Issue 12: Other commenters suggested that the criteria for 
applicants should include the applicant's ability to produce high 
quality marihuana while another commenter suggested that applicants 
should have prior experience producing quality cannabis or hemp.
    Response 12: The CSA provides that two conditions must be satisfied 
for an applicant to become a registrant: (1) The registration must be 
consistent with the public interest, and (2) the registration must be 
consistent with U.S. obligations under the Single Convention on 
Narcotic Drugs. Congress defined the factors for DEA to evaluate 
whether granting a registration is consistent with the public interest 
in 21 U.S.C. 823(a), and the burden lies with the applicant to 
demonstrate that the application meets those factors. Under those 
factors, DEA will consider the applicant's ``past experience in the 
manufacture of controlled substances'' and its ``promotion of technical 
advances in the art of manufacturing these substances,'' including the 
applicant's ability to consistently produce and supply cannabis of a 
high quality and defined chemical composition. Sec.  1318.05(b)(2). DEA 
must also consider the applicant's overall past experience with 
controlled substances in relation to preventing diversion.
    Issue 13: Some commenters suggested DEA establish application 
requirements or committees that ensure diversity and inclusion of 
minority applicants. Other commenters suggested DEA provide regulatory 
provisions that afford economic opportunities to communities that have 
been disproportionately impacted by substance abuse and illicit drug 
markets and make application selection inclusive to include rural 
farmers, racial minorities, and disabled persons.
    Response 13: DEA gives all applicants equal treatment regardless of 
the gender, race, socioeconomic status, or disabled status of the 
applicant. The only criteria used to evaluate the application for 
registration are those factors defined by Congress at 21 U.S.C. 823(a). 
See 21 CFR 1318.05.
    Issue 14: Another commenter inquired whether manufacturers would be 
permitted to develop contracts, partnerships, or cooperative agreements 
with international research and development firms.
    Response 14: Registrants are permitted to import and export 
controlled substances, including marihuana, in accordance with the 
criteria defined at 21 U.S.C. 952(a) (import) and 21 U.S.C. 953(a) 
(export), and after obtaining registration in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
958. After obtaining a registration to manufacture marihuana, the 
applicant may form agreements with international firms, but, if the 
importation or exportation of marihuana or another controlled substance 
will be involved as part of the agreement, it must ensure that any such 
importation or exportation complies with 21 U.S.C. 952, 953, and 958, 
and the relevant implementing regulations. Moreover, in addition to 
these general regulatory requirements, Sec.  1318.04(b) of this rule 
specifically requires prior written notice to DEA of each proposed 
importation or exportation of marihuana, and DEA's express written 
authorization for the importation or exportation.

Quality of Marihuana

    DEA received a number of comments that expressed concerns about the 
quality of marihuana that will be produced under this rule.
    Issue 1: Some commenters stated that the current quality of 
marihuana produced for Federal research is of poor quality.
    Response 1: The purpose of this rule is to increase the number and 
variety of marihuana growers in order to diversify the supply available 
to researchers. As proposed in the NPRM and finalized in this rule, one 
of the selection criteria for marijuana grower applicants is the 
``applicant's ability to consistently produce and supply cannabis of a 
high quality and defined chemical composition.'' 21 CFR 1318.05(b)(2).
    Issue 2: A few commenters suggested that samples of marihuana 
should be tested to determine the quality prior to sales transactions 
and that manufacturers should be allowed to send samples of crops 
before and after harvest to analytical labs for testing, prior to DEA 
taking possession.
    Response 2: DEA has no objection to DEA-registered marihuana 
growers and buyers exchanging samples or sending such samples to 
analytical labs for testing so long as this exchange occurs in a manner 
consistent with the CSA, and is amending the rule to make this clear. 
DEA understands that it is necessary for registered growers to engage 
in sampling and testing prior to harvest or DEA taking possession of 
the crop for growers to demonstrate compliance with contractual 
specifications to their researcher customers. Prior to the agency 
taking possession of the marihuana harvest, a registered grower may 
collect samples and distribute those samples to a DEA-registered 
analytical laboratory for analysis. It is consistent with the Single 
Convention to permit growers to conduct sampling and exclude the 
samples from the total crop that DEA is required to purchase and 
possess because the Single Convention plainly contemplates that growers 
will be able to harvest and sell their marijuana crops, and without 
sampling, sales would be practically impossible because the final 
intended purchaser could not know whether the marijuana is acceptable 
for purchase.
    DEA is thus modifying the regulations proposed in the NPRM to add a 
new section at 21 CFR 1318.04(d). This new section explicitly permits 
DEA-registered manufacturers of marihuana to collect samples and 
distribute them to DEA-registered analytical laboratories for chemical 
analysis prior to DEA taking possession of the marihuana grown. 
However, to limit the risk of diversion and keep the distribution 
within the legitimate purposes permitted by the CSA, the quantity of 
samples collected and distributed must be small.
    Issue 3: Some commenters stated that the time it takes DEA to take 
possession of the marihuana could negatively impact the quality of 
marihuana.
    Response 3: To minimize the risk of diversion and delays that may 
impact the quality of the crop, DEA intends to take physical possession 
of the crop after harvest and distribute marihuana to the purchaser as 
soon as practicable.
    Issue 4: Many commenters expressed concerns that DEA is excluded 
from liability for any damage to crops that may occur while in DEA's 
possession, and that there are no regulations to ensure the quality of 
marihuana while

[[Page 82338]]

in DEA's possession. Other commenters stated that there is no process 
or remedy for the damage or loss of crops that could occur while in 
DEA's possession.
    Response 4: DEA assesses the risk of marihuana crops being lost or 
damaged while in DEA's possession to be low. DEA does not anticipate 
retaining possession of marihuana crops for long periods of time; in 
most instances, they will be transferred quickly from the seller to the 
buyer, with DEA's possession being as brief as possible to effectuate 
its role in transferring the marihuana from buyer to seller. In 
addition, crops in DEA's possession are largely expected to be 
maintained at the manufacturer's registered location, in a secure 
location designated by DEA. Accordingly, crops are highly unlikely to 
be damaged or lost in DEA's possession. To avoid costly and unnecessary 
disputes related to any loss or damage of crops, Sec.  1318.07 makes 
clear that DEA has no liability with regard to the performance of any 
of the terms agreed to by a grower and buyer of marihuana, including 
but not limited to the quality of the marihuana. In effect, this rule 
makes clear that buyers and sellers should structure their marihuana 
transactions to minimize the risk of damage or disputes over quality, 
rather than expecting DEA to mediate or bear the costs of such 
disputes.
    DEA recognizes that some growers and buyers may wish the DEA to 
assume a greater role in assuring the quality of marihuana supplied to 
researchers. Doing so, however, could significantly increase DEA's 
costs for operating the marihuana grower program, which would then be 
transferred to growers and buyers in the form of increased 
administrative fees. Thus, given the relatively low risk that crops 
will be lost or damaged in DEA's possession, DEA has concluded that the 
program will provide marihuana to researchers most efficiently if DEA 
does not assume any role in quality assurance and accordingly does not 
assume liability for such risks.
    Issue 5: One commenter inquired how DEA will ensure availability of 
different strains of marihuana for research.
    Response 5: DEA does not have the authority to dictate the strains 
of marihuana to be produced by growers. Rather, DEA believes that 
market forces will drive the strains of marihuana materials that 
growers will produce, and the purchasers will be able to choose which 
DEA-registered grower they believe will best produce the strains or 
quality of marihuana that will meet their needs. The factors that the 
Administrator will consider in granting a registration to grow 
marihuana will be consistent with the public interest factors set forth 
in section 21 U.S.C. 823(a), including the applicant's ability to 
consistently produce and supply high quality marihuana and defined 
chemical composition and other criteria as specified in 21 CFR 1318.05.
    Issue 6: Some commenters suggested that DEA-registered researchers 
be allowed to obtain marihuana and marihuana products from State-
authorized sources for the purpose of Federal research.
    Response 6: The CSA requires anyone seeking to manufacture or 
distribute controlled substances to apply for and obtain a DEA 
registration. 21 U.S.C. 822(a)(1). State licenses to manufacture 
marijuana do not satisfy the requirements of Federal law. See id.; 21 
U.S.C. 841(a)(1). Therefore, possession of a license to manufacture 
marijuana issued by a State government or agency does not meet the 
requirements of the CSA and cannot be accepted in lieu of DEA 
registration to manufacture or distribute. Registrants, including 
researchers, are only authorized to possess, manufacture, distribute, 
or dispense controlled substances ``to the extent authorized by their 
registration and in conformity with the other provisions'' of the CSA. 
21 U.S.C. 822(b).
    DEA does not view the receipt of a schedule I substance from a non-
registrant, distributed in violation of Sec.  841(a), to be ``in 
conformity with the other provisions'' of CSA as required of 
registrants by Sec.  822(b). The receipt of controlled substances from 
outside the CSA's closed system of distribution is incompatible with 
the framework of the CSA, which is predicated on registration, 
recordkeeping, and other measures of accountability throughout the 
distribution chain. In addition, as discussed above, the CSA--including 
a provision that requires consistency with the Single Convention--
requires DEA to, among other things, register marihuana growers and 
take possession of all marihuana crops. Thus, authorizing researchers 
to obtain marihuana from unregistered sources is inconsistent with the 
Single Convention, and with DEA's CSA enforcement duties. Authorizing 
such research using marihuana from unregistered sources may also be 
inconsistent with the requirements of other Federal laws, as well as 
DEA's broader obligation to authorize controlled substances research in 
a manner consistent with the public safety.
    Moreover, such a change is unnecessary. By registering additional 
marihuana growers pursuant to this rule, DEA will expand researchers' 
access to marihuana in accordance with the CSA, and in a manner that 
supports the public health.
    Issue 7: Some commenters suggested that growers should be allowed 
to perform marihuana-related activities that are State-sanctioned but 
violate Federal law, such as distributing marihuana to recreational 
users, in the same facilities as DEA-authorized marihuana-related 
activities to save costs.
    Response 7: As previously explained, DEA cannot authorize marihuana 
growers to violate the CSA or other Federal laws. Endorsing the 
production of marihuana outside the CSA's closed system of distribution 
would be incompatible with the framework of the CSA, which is 
predicated on registration, recordkeeping, and other measures of 
accountability throughout the distribution chain. Authorizing such 
activities would also be inconsistent with the Single Convention, and 
with DEA's CSA enforcement duties, as well as contrary to other Federal 
laws.

Federal Agency Obligations Pertaining to Cannabis Controls

    DEA received several comments regarding the division of authority 
between agencies in regulating the growing of marijuana for scientific 
research.
    Issue 1: DEA received comments asserting that scientific or public 
health-based agencies such as the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), FDA, or Department 
of Agriculture should oversee the marihuana grower program. Some of 
these commenters also suggested that the CSA be amended by Congress to 
allow a health-related agency to be in charge of this program. 
Similarly, a commenter suggested that DEA contract with a private third 
party and authorize that contractor to carry out the functions 
described in this rule.
    Response 1: DEA agrees that HHS and other Federal agencies can 
offer valuable insights into how the Federal government can best 
oversee the provision of marihuana for legitimate scientific research. 
DEA is committed to collaborating with HHS and other Federal agencies 
to ensure marihuana is available to meet the research and scientific 
needs of the United States, and that this rule is implemented with 
minimal disruption of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Drug 
Supply Program (DSP). That said, as a matter of current law, any 
registration and coordination of legitimate marihuana growing in the 
United States will be overseen solely by DEA, not

[[Page 82339]]

other Federal agencies. In other words, even if DEA preferred other 
Federal agencies to carry out these functions, as DOJ has interpreted 
the CSA, including a provision requiring that registrations be 
consistent with U.S. obligations under the Single Convention, it would 
be unlawful for DEA to transfer these functions to another Federal 
agency. Commenters' suggestions that the law should be changed are 
beyond the scope of this rulemaking: This rulemaking must follow the 
law, as enacted by Congress.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The relevant law is briefly summarized here but is discussed 
in greater depth in the aforementioned OLC Opinion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above and in the NPRM, under the CSA, DEA may only 
grant a person a registration to grow marihuana if: (1) The 
registration is consistent with the public interest, and (2) the 
registration is consistent with U.S. obligations under the Single 
Convention. See 21 U.S.C. 823(a). Accordingly, DEA may only grant 
marihuana grower registrations which are consistent with U.S. 
obligations under the Single Convention. Article 23(2) of the Single 
Convention, which is applicable to the cultivation of marihuana through 
Article 28, describes five functions related to the distribution, 
supervision, and licensing of marihuana cultivation \10\ that the 
United States is obligated to fulfill as part of a regulatory scheme 
that authorizes the growing of marihuana.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The five functions of Article 23(2) of the Single 
Convention are as follows: (1) Designate the areas in which, and the 
plots of land on which, cultivation of the cannabis plant for the 
purpose of producing cannabis or cannabis resin shall be permitted; 
(2) ensure that only cultivators licensed by the agency shall be 
authorized to engage in such cultivation; (3) ensure that each 
license shall specify the extent of the land on which the 
cultivation is permitted; (4) require all cultivators of the 
cannabis plant to deliver their total crops of cannabis and cannabis 
resin to the agency and ensure that the agency purchases and takes 
physical possession of such crops as soon as possible, but not later 
than four months after the end of the harvest; and (5) have the 
exclusive right of importing, exporting, wholesale trading, and 
maintaining stocks of cannabis and cannabis resin, except that this 
exclusive right need not extend to medicinal cannabis, cannabis 
preparations, or the stocks of cannabis and cannabis resin held by 
manufacturers of such medicinal cannabis and cannabis preparations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Single Convention requires that these five functions ``be 
discharged by a single government agency if the constitution of the 
Party concerned permits it.'' Single Convention art. 23(3).\11\ Nothing 
in the U.S. Constitution precludes the United States from discharging 
all five of those controls through one government agency, so a single 
U.S. Federal agency must perform all five of the controls. Further, by 
requiring that the functions be discharged by a government agency, the 
Single Convention prohibits the United States from assigning them to a 
private government contractor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The Commentary to the Single Convention notes that this is 
in order to facilitate national planning and coordinated management 
of the various tasks imposed upon a country by Article 23, and that 
in countries where more than one agency is needed to perform these 
tasks on constitutional grounds, administrative arrangements should 
be made to ensure the required coordination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Through the CSA, Congress assigned the first three of the Single 
Convention functions to DEA by authorizing DEA--and, at least at the 
Federal level, DEA alone--to register and regulate marihuana growers: 
Under the CSA, DEA effectively designates the area in which the 
marihuana cultivation is permitted, limits marihuana growers to those 
it licenses, and specifies the extent of the land on which marihuana 
cultivation is permitted as required by the Single Convention. Thus, to 
fully comply with the CSA provision requiring consistency with the 
Single Convention, DEA also must perform the remaining two functions of 
Article 23: Taking possession of marihuana crops after harvest and 
maintaining the exclusive right of importing, exporting, wholesale 
trading, and maintaining stocks of marihuana and its resin. Congress 
granted DEA the power to enforce these provisions by directing DEA to 
grant registrations if the registrations are consistent with U.S. 
obligations under the Single Convention. 21 U.S.C. 823(a).\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ These issues are discussed further in the OLC Opinion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore, Congress has assigned DEA the duty and authority to 
carry out the five functions the Federal government is required to 
perform under the Single Convention if it authorizes the production of 
marihuana. DEA has no authority to assign these functions to another 
agency or a private contractor outside the government. Rather, DEA must 
perform the functions itself, and this rule will enable DEA to do so 
more effectively.
    Issue 2: Another commenter suggested that NIDA be completely 
removed from any role in supplying marihuana to researchers.
    Response 2: Marihuana research can be enhanced by allowing other 
growers to supply marihuana to researchers. However, scientific and 
medical research is likely to benefit from the NIDA DSP's continued 
involvement in these efforts. As discussed in the NPRM and further 
discussed below, the NIDA DSP has long played a fundamental role in 
supplying marihuana to researchers. In doing so, the NIDA DSP has 
acquired valuable experience and expertise in the production of 
marihuana. Moreover, because researchers currently obtain their 
marihuana though the NIDA DSP, the continued operation of the NIDA DSP 
will allow researchers who wish to continue to receive such NIDA DSP 
marihuana to do so with minimal disruption. Ultimately, the purpose of 
this rule is to expand researchers' options for obtaining marihuana, 
not eliminate them, a result best achieved by allowing the NIDA DSP to 
continue to operate, while also registering additional marihuana 
growers.
    Issue 3: Some commenters suggested that DEA and DOJ misinterpreted 
the Single Convention. Some commenters stated that DEA is 
inappropriately using the Single Convention requirements as a 
justification to maintain exclusive control over marihuana sales/
purchases. Another commenter suggested that DEA's view of the Single 
Convention is too narrow and not aligned with other parties to the 
Single Convention with respect to Article 23. This same commenter 
suggested that the United States withdraw from the Single Convention 
and rejoin with a formal reservation opting out of the cannabis related 
provisions of the Single Convention. Some other commenters suggested 
DEA initiate the process to amend the treaty to accomplish its intent 
of allowing robust research to be performed.
    Response 3: As a matter of law, the CSA requires that registrations 
to manufacture schedule I and II controlled substances be consistent 
with U.S. obligations under the Single Convention, which requires a 
single government agency to regulate the cultivation of and certain 
trading in marihuana, including taking possession of marihuana after 
harvest.\13\ The CSA assigns this function to the Attorney General, who 
has delegated this statutory authority to the DEA Administrator. The 
CSA therefore requires DEA to grant registrations that are consistent 
with U.S. obligations under the Single Convention, which includes 
regulating the cultivation of and certain trading in marihuana. DEA 
acknowledges some may disagree with these legal conclusions, but DEA is 
bound by the law as DOJ and DEA understand it. Whether the Single 
Convention's or the CSA's controls of marihuana should be amended and 
whether the United States should withdraw from the Single Convention

[[Page 82340]]

are beyond the scope of this rulemaking and DEA's authority. This 
rulemaking must be consistent with DEA's obligations under the CSA, 
including granting registrations which are consistent with the Single 
Convention as it currently stands.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ As noted, the relevant legal considerations are explored in 
greater detail in the aforementioned OLC Opinion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 4: Some commenters believe that DEA's increased involvement 
in the provision of marihuana to researchers would have an adverse 
impact on clinical research, clinical trials, and the creation of 
cannabis preparations.
    Response 4: As explained elsewhere in this rulemaking, DEA 
anticipates this rule will increase researchers' access to marihuana 
for medical and scientific research. At present, researchers must 
obtain marihuana for researchers through the NIDA DSP, and researchers 
who wish can continue to do so with minimal disruption. However, this 
rule will also allow researchers to legally obtain marihuana from other 
DEA-registered growers. DEA's involvement in that process will be 
limited, as set forth in these regulations, to those activities 
required by the CSA.
    Issue 5: Another commenter suggested that DEA allow researchers to 
possess marihuana without restriction and that DEA's role in regulating 
the growing of marihuana be completely eliminated.
    Response 5: As explained above, the CSA requires any person seeking 
to manufacture or distribute controlled substances to apply for and 
obtain a DEA registration. 21 U.S.C. 822(a)(1). More broadly, marihuana 
remains a schedule I controlled substance, and as such has a high 
potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment 
in the United States. See, e.g., Denial of Petition to Initiate 
Proceedings to Reschedule Marijuana, 81 FR 53687 (Aug. 12, 2016). 
Allowing the cultivation of marihuana for research without a DEA 
registration or otherwise regulating this activity would be 
incompatible with the CSA and its requirement of consistency with the 
Single Convention; it would also fail to protect public health and 
safety from the danger of that marihuana being diverted and abused.
    Issue 6: One commenter suggested that the NPRM is incompatible with 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) on the grounds that DEA did not 
sufficiently explain the reasoning underlying the proposed rule.
    Response 6: The NPRM satisfied the requirements of the APA, as does 
this final rule. The NRPM and this rule both set out the legal and 
practical reasons why DEA is promulgating this rule to increase the 
availability of marihuana for research consistent with the legal 
requirements of the CSA, as well as with DEA's duty to protect the 
public interest by preventing its diversion and abuse.
    Issue 7: Two commenters requested that DEA extend the comment 
period given the current coronavirus disease 2019 public health 
emergency.
    Response 7: DEA recognizes the challenges applicants and 
registrants may be facing during the public health emergency. However, 
DEA has decided not to extend the comment period beyond the 60 days 
generally required under Executive Order 12866 to avoid any further 
delays in registering additional marihuana growers. DEA, therefore, 
decided that extending the comment period would have unnecessarily 
delayed the registering of additional marihuana growers without 
meaningfully enhancing the rulemaking process.

The Meaning of ``Medicinal Cannabis''

    Issue 1: Some commenters expressed concern about the definition of 
medicinal cannabis. Specifically, they argued that ``medicinal 
cannabis'' should include any cannabis that State law authorized for 
use as ``medical marijuana.'' One commenter requested DEA amend the 
definition of medicinal cannabis to include investigational marihuana 
for an investigational new drug.
    Response 1: Under this rule, DEA will have the exclusive right of 
importing, exporting, wholesale trading and maintaining stocks of 
marihuana other than those held by registered manufacturers and 
distributors of medicinal cannabis or cannabis preparations.\14\ The 
term ``medicinal cannabis'' in this rule is limited to ``a drug product 
made from the cannabis plant, or derivatives thereof, that can be 
legally marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,'' and 
DEA continues to believe this is the most appropriate definition for 
the term.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ The exception that allows DEA registered manufacturers of 
medicinal cannabis and cannabis preparations to maintain stocks of 
cannabis materials for the purpose of producing such drugs or 
preparations only applies where the raw cannabis material was 
previously delivered to DEA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Through this rule, DEA is asserting an exclusive right of 
importing, exporting, wholesale trading and maintaining stocks of 
marihuana so as to ensure compliance with the CSA, including a 
provision requiring registrations to be consistent with the Single 
Convention. The exclusion of medicinal cannabis from this function is 
based on Single Convention Article 23's exclusion of medicinal opium 
from parties' obligation to maintain an exclusive right over opium 
trading (as applied to cannabis through Article 28). The Single 
Convention does not define medicinal cannabis, but its definition of 
``medicinal opium'' is limited to opium that ``has undergone the 
processes necessary to adapt it for medicinal use.'' Single Convention 
art. 1(o).
    Thus, DEA understands ``medicinal cannabis'' to mean drug products 
derived from cannabis in a form that the United States has approved for 
medical use, which is most effectively captured in this rule by 
requiring that the product be able to be legally marketed under the 
Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C Act). The United States, not State 
governments, is the relevant party to the Single Convention, and thus 
``medicinal cannabis'' should only include cannabis-derived products 
that the United States has approved for medical use, not products 
States may have approved.
    For similar reasons, this definition excludes an investigational 
new drug containing cannabis; such products may eventually become 
approved for full medical use in the United States (as opposed to 
research), but have not yet obtained such approval. The finished dosage 
form of such a substance may qualify as a ``cannabis preparation,'' 
which is outside of DEA's exclusive right to engage in the wholesale 
trade in cannabis, but remains subject to control under the CSA. It 
should be emphasized, however, that the bulk material from which any 
cannabis preparation is manufactured must be obtained from DEA.

Security Costs and Requirements Applicable to the Manufacture of 
Marihuana

    Issue 1: Some commenters inquired about the packaging requirements 
necessary prior to the transport of purchased marihuana and once that 
marihuana is sent from a grower to a seller. Many commenters suggested 
DEA use tracking technology, similar to that used by some States, to 
monitor the movement of marihuana seeds, marihuana plants, and other 
marihuana products. Some commenters suggested that the use of such 
tracking technology would eliminate the need for the security measures 
proposed in the NPRM and required by DEA regulations more generally.
    Response 1: DEA registrants are required to maintain effective 
controls against diversion. DEA registered manufacturers are 
responsible for providing proper security during the growing process. 
The crops must either be delivered and stored in a secure storage 
mechanism at the manufacturer's registered location, if one is 
designated by DEA, or delivered

[[Page 82341]]

to a location designated by DEA. In either case, the registrant must 
comply with security requirements specified in 21 CFR part 1301. A DEA 
registrant is also required to adhere to the recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements set forth in 21 U.S.C. 827 and 21 CFR part 1304, 
including the requirement to maintain records of all controlled 
substances which it manufactures, sells, and delivers. Although this 
regulation does not specify any special measures imposed on a grower 
for the packaging of a marihuana crop for purchase by DEA, DEA may 
develop packaging requirements as part of separate agreements between 
DEA and individual manufacturers; \15\ but in all cases, DEA's general 
security regulations shall apply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ DEA routinely enters into memoranda of agreement with 
certain registrants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With regard to tracking technology, DEA recognizes that security 
technology is always evolving, and that in some circumstances tracking 
technology may present a useful means of protecting against diversion. 
In addition to security measures specifically required by DEA 
regulations, registrants should take the appropriate measures to guard 
against diversion of their crops, which may include the use of new 
technologies. At this time, however, DEA has concluded that it is not 
necessary to update its security regulations in this regard, and has 
not yet seen evidence that tracking technology can adequately replace 
security measures required by current regulations.
    Issue 2: Other commenters suggested that the procedures for 
inspection of crops and harvests, and physical security requirements 
are expensive and would discourage applicants.
    Response 2: As noted, DEA requires all applicants and registrants 
to maintain effective controls against the diversion of controlled 
substances as set forth in 21 CFR part 1301. The proposed rule and this 
final rule do not impose new or amended regulations for the security 
requirements set forth in 21 CFR part 1301. Furthermore, DEA 
registrants are subject to routine scheduled investigations conducted 
by DEA diversion investigators and other administrative requirements 
such as those specified in 21 CFR part 1304. DEA understands there will 
be costs incurred in meeting these administrative requirements; 
however, these requirements and costs are comparable to those 
applicable to bulk manufacturers of other controlled substances. 
Requiring such security controls is a critical part of DEA's efforts to 
fulfill its duties under the CSA to reduce the diversion and abuse of 
controlled substances, including marihuana.

Harvest

    Issue: One commenter suggested that DEA expand the amount of time 
to deliver a harvest to DEA. This commenter also suggested DEA change 
the time period for providing notice of a harvest to five days, instead 
of 15 days beforehand, and suggested that the amount of harvests per 
year should be changed from three to five. Other commenters suggested 
manufacturers provide DEA with notice more than 15 days prior to 
harvest. Another commenter agreed that DEA should take possession of 
the crop no later than four months after harvest to maintain chemical 
composition of the crop.
    Response: DEA understands the importance of taking possession of 
harvested crops in a timely manner to expedite the re-distribution of 
those crops to researchers and to reduce any potential for changes in 
the crops' chemical composition. As stated in the NPRM, and to comply 
with a CSA provision requiring consistency with the Single Convention, 
DEA must take physical possession of the crops within four months after 
the end of harvest. The requirement that a grower notify DEA at least 
15 days prior to the commencement of a harvest is intended to provide 
DEA with sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements for 
traveling to the grower's registered location and to take possession of 
the crops. DEA has concluded that a five-day notice period will not 
provide sufficient time to make the arrangements needed to travel to a 
grower and attend a harvest.
    With respect to this commenter's statement that DEA should change 
the number of harvests per year from three to five, DEA is not 
regulating the number of growing cycles that a registered grower may 
conduct. A grower may conduct as many growing cycles as is necessary to 
meet customer demand, so long as it does not exceed its IMQ for the 
year. The NPRM used three harvests per year as the estimated average 
number of harvests only for the purpose of conducting its regulatory 
analysis.

Quotas

    Issue 1: A commenter stated there is a significant lag time from 
when quota is issued to harvest time. This same commenter inquired as 
to whether the cultivation of marihuana can begin prior to the issuance 
of quota. Another commenter suggested that DEA provide a deadline by 
which DEA must review or approve bona fide supply agreements and make 
quota determinations based upon them. A commenter also suggested that 
each manufacturer should be issued IMQ. One commenter suggested that 
DEA issue a multi-year license for new bulk manufacturers to meet quota 
needs.
    Response 1: Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 826, DEA is required to 
``determine the total quantity and establish production quotas for each 
basic class of controlled substance in schedules I and II . . . to be 
manufactured each calendar year to provide for the estimated medical, 
scientific, research, and industrial needs of the United States [and] 
for lawful export requirements.'' This figure, which is known as the 
aggregate production quota (APQ), is then allocated to individual 
registered manufacturers based on each manufacturer's application for 
an IMQ as set forth in 21 U.S.C. 826(c). Pursuant to section 826(c), 
DEA is required to issue IMQ ``[o]n or before December 1 of each year'' 
for the following year.
    While there may be significant lead time between the date on which 
an IMQ is issued and the date of harvest, a grower's lead time is 
dependent upon the growing techniques it uses. It should also be noted 
that non-botanical manufacturers of controlled substances frequently 
deal with significant lead times and have been able to manage them. In 
any event, Federal law prohibits the manufacturing of a controlled 
substance by a registrant which ``is not expressly authorized . . . by 
a quota assigned to him pursuant to'' 21 U.S.C. 826. 21 U.S.C. 842(b).
    Thus, a registered manufacturer cannot commence growing marihuana 
until it has been granted its IMQ. Furthermore, because the CSA 
expressly requires that both the APQ and an IMQ be determined on a 
calendar year basis; DEA is not authorized to issue an IMQ other than 
on a single year basis.
    As stated above, the CSA requires that DEA issue IMQ ``[o]n or 
before December 1 of each year'' for the following year. Thus, the CSA 
already sets the deadline by which DEA must review a bona fide supply 
agreement and make a quota determination. Each registered manufacturer 
of marijuana who produces evidence that it has entered into a bona fide 
supply agreement with a researcher will be issued an IMQ. In the event 
a registered manufacturer enters into additional bona fide supply 
agreements after receiving its IMQ, which would result in an increase 
in its estimated net disposal for the calendar year, it may apply for 
an increase in its IMQ for that calendar year. 21 CFR 1303.25.

[[Page 82342]]

    Issue 2: A commenter suggested that the price and quantity of 
extracts is not based on dried flower weight and that different strains 
of marihuana will yield different extract weights from the same weight 
of marihuana. Thus, this commenter argued, DEA should set marihuana 
quotas based on the amount of marihuana extract produced from a 
harvested marihuana crop, not the weight of the harvested marihuana 
itself.
    Response 2: Under the CSA, IMQ limits the quantity of controlled 
substances a manufacturer may produce. See, e.g., 21 U.S.C. 826(c). 
Marihuana itself, not just its extract, is a schedule I controlled 
substance. Accordingly, when a marihuana grower cultivates a marihuana 
crop, that grower has produced a schedule I controlled substance. Thus, 
under the CSA, marihuana growers require an IMQ for the entire 
marihuana crop, regardless of the value or quantities of other 
controlled substances produced from that crop. Setting marihuana quota 
based solely on the amount of extract eventually produced would also 
inhibit quota enforcement, as DEA may not be able to determine if a 
marihuana grower was complying with its IMQ until the grower processed 
the marihuana into an extract. Finally, not all marihuana grown will 
necessarily be used to produce extracts--some marihuana research makes 
use of the plant material itself. Thus, not all marihuana production 
quotas could be tied to the quantity of extract produced from it, 
because not all marihuana grown for research is converted into an 
extract.

Costs, Pricing, and Fees of Marihuana for DEA Registrants

    Issue 1: A commenter inquired how the purchase price is established 
when DEA purchases cannabis from a registrant that the registrant 
intends to use for his/her own research.
    Response 1: This scenario was addressed in the NPRM by proposed 21 
CFR 1318.06(b)(4), which this rule promulgates without change. 
Normally, under the rule, the seller and buyer may negotiate their own 
purchase price, to which DEA will add its administrative fee. When a 
registrant grows marihuana for its own use, the purchase price is 
irrelevant, given that the grower is effectively negotiating the price 
with itself. Thus, the rule will allow the grower to set any ``nominal 
price'' it chooses, given that the grower will purchase the marihuana 
back from DEA at the same price at which it is sold to DEA. In this 
scenario, the only net cost of the transaction is the per-kilogram 
administrative fee that grower must pay to DEA.
    Issue 2: Several commenters suggested the purchase price of 
cannabis should be the registrant's average purchase price of the last 
six months or the average U.S. price for high grade commercial 
cannabis, plus 20 percent due to its research grade. Another commenter 
suggested a cap on the wholesale value of cannabis.
    Response 2: DEA recognizes that supply and demand for the 
cultivation of marihuana for research and other licit purposes may 
fluctuate based on the lawful needs of the U.S. market. As such, DEA 
believes that allowing the buyer and seller to negotiate the purchase 
price of the marihuana provides more flexibility in determining 
appropriate prices driven by market forces. Attempting to set a 
universal price--or schedule of prices--for cannabis, or limiting a 
registrants' ability to change its prices in response to new 
circumstances, would unduly restrict the varieties of marihuana grown 
and may unduly limit growers' ability to produce marihuana to satisfy 
new research needs. Similarly, setting a price cap may prevent growers 
from meeting researchers' need for cannabis that is unusually expensive 
given its strain or the conditions in which it must be grown.
    Issue 3: A commenter inquired whether the administrative fees are 
paid by the purchasing researchers or the selling growers.
    Response 3: Under the rule, the administrative fee is considered 
part of the price of the cannabis DEA sells to the purchasing 
researcher. That said, the rule requires the ``parties'' to pay the fee 
to DEA upon entering into a contract for the provision of cannabis, but 
before the cannabis is actually delivered to the researcher. In other 
words, DEA is not charging the administrative fee to either party in 
particular, but to the parties jointly as part of the transaction. The 
parties are free to apportion the fee among themselves in any way they 
choose.
    Issue 4: Some commenters suggested that the administrative fee be 
waived for DEA-registered manufacturers who cultivate and research 
their own marihuana, and do not sell their marihuana. Similarly, some 
commenters suggested that the administrative fee would discourage 
research and thus suggested that the administrative fee be waived for 
researchers in general.
    Response 4: As explained in the NPRM, the purpose of the 
administrative fee is to allow DEA to recover the operational costs of 
administering the program, as required under 21 U.S.C. 886a(1)(C). 
Because DEA anticipates the vast majority of marihuana will be sold to 
researchers, a waiver of the administrative fee in transactions 
involving researchers would not allow DEA to properly recover its costs 
of administering the marihuana growers program under 21 U.S.C. 
886a(1)(C).
    DEA nonetheless continues to encourage lawful cultivation of 
marihuana for research and other licit purposes through the 
administration of this program. As discussed in the NPRM and below, DEA 
does not expect this administrative fee to be a barrier to research. 
Nothing in this rule prohibits NIH--or any other third-party funder of 
research grants--from funding marihuana research by covering the cost 
of marihuana materials used in research, including these administrative 
fees, via grants to researchers.
    DEA also cannot waive the administrative fee for researchers 
growing marihuana for their own use because that too would prevent DEA 
from recovering its operational costs. The provisions of this rule--and 
the CSA and DEA regulations more broadly--apply not only when a grower 
is selling to a third party, but also when a grower is producing 
marihuana for its own use. DEA must still register the grower, and 
purchase and take possession of the marihuana, even if the marihuana is 
being used for the grower's own research. Thus, DEA does not anticipate 
its operational costs to be significantly less when it is regulating a 
grower's cultivation of marihuana for its own research or for another 
party's use. Accordingly, DEA will charge the same fees in both 
situations.
    Issue 5: One commenter requested that DEA clarify administrative 
fees.
    Response 5: The nature and purpose of the administrative fee, as 
well as how it is set, are explained both in the rule itself and 
throughout the NPRM. In sum, an administrative fee for each transaction 
will be added to the sales price of the marihuana. The administrative 
fee is a variable fee based on the quantities, in kilogram (not 
quality, grade, potency, etc.) of bulk marihuana distributed. The 
parties to the transaction will pay DEA the administrative fee upon 
entering into a contract for the provision of the marihuana and prior 
to the delivery of the marihuana. DEA will set the administrative fee 
rate at least annually at a level adequate to allow DEA to recover the 
costs of administrating the marihuana growers program under 21 U.S.C. 
886a(1)(C).
    Issue 6: One commenter suggested that DEA waive the administrative 
fee

[[Page 82343]]

for any crops that are damaged or lost while in DEA's possession.
    Response 6: Such a fee waiver is unnecessary and inconsistent with 
DEA's obligations under the CSA and this rule. As explained elsewhere, 
DEA generally does not anticipate retaining possession of crops for 
significant periods of time; in most instances, they should be 
transferred quickly to the buyer. Accordingly, crops are unlikely to be 
damaged or lost in DEA's possession. Moreover, as explained above, the 
administrative fee must be set at a rate that allows DEA to recover the 
costs of operating the marihuana growers program under 21 U.S.C. 
886a(1)(C). Every marihuana transaction under this rule will impose 
costs on DEA. Thus, if DEA waived fees for some marihuana buyers and 
sellers, it would have to increase fees on other buyers and sellers to 
compensate for the amounts lost due to the waiver. DEA has concluded 
that it is most equitable to base the administrative fee on the weight 
of marihuana produced, and not other factors.

Out of Scope

    Issue: DEA received comments that are outside the scope of this 
final rule. Some comments raised general concerns regarding the 
treatment of marihuana under Federal law. Others raised specific issues 
regarding, among other things, medical illnesses, medical treatments, 
the scheduled class of marihuana, marihuana-related activities 
permitted and prohibited in specific States, and the status of previous 
congressional inquiries.
    DEA Response: DEA acknowledges receipt of these comments; however, 
such comments are outside the scope of the NPRM and the final rule. 
These comments ultimately have no bearing on the rule under 
consideration, or on the regulatory decisions DEA is making as part of 
this rulemaking.

Section-by-Section Summary of the Final Rule

    The purposes and functions of this rule were discussed in the NPRM. 
Aside from a minor amendment to 21 CFR 1318.04, this rule adopts the 
proposed rule without change. DEA's reasoning was fully explained in 
the NPRM. However, in addition to describing the amendment--in 
particular, the added section at Sec.  1318.04(d)--DEA will summarize 
this rule's various changes to DEA regulations and the reasoning behind 
these changes for the sake of clarity and convenience.

Sec.  1301.33: Applying the Marihuana Grower Regulations to All 
Marihuana Growers

    This rule makes two technical changes to 21 CFR 1301.33 to account 
for the addition of part 1318, which in turn provides regulations 
specific to the growing of marihuana in accordance with the CSA.
    As discussed above, part 1301 of DEA's regulations governs the 
registration of manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers of 
controlled substances. It also includes various sections governing how 
entities are to apply to become registered with DEA. See, e.g., 21 CFR 
1301.13-17. These sections include Sec.  1301.33, which contains 
certain provisions unique to applications to become registered to 
manufacture schedule I and II substances in bulk. For example, Sec.  
1301.33(a) requires that DEA publish a notice of application after 
receiving a schedule I and II bulk manufacturer application. 
Previously, Sec.  1301.33(c) provided that the other provisions of 
Sec.  1301.33 do not apply when the manufacturing at issue is ``as an 
incident to research or chemical analysis as authorized in Sec.  
1301.13(e)(1),'' i.e., when the bulk manufacture is a coincident 
activity of a DEA-registered researcher or chemical analyst.
    This rule amends Sec.  1301.33(c) to modify this exception in the 
case of marihuana growing. Specifically, under this rule, Sec.  
1301.33(c)'s exclusion applies to manufacturing as an incident to 
research and chemical analysis, except as provided in the newly added 
Sec.  1301.33(d). And the new Sec.  1301.33(d) provides that an 
application to manufacture marihuana ``that involves the planting, 
cultivating, growing, or harvesting of marihuana'' (as opposed to, for 
example, marihuana manufacturing that merely involves processing 
marihuana grown by another party into a new marihuana product) shall be 
subject both to the general requirements of Sec.  1301.33 as well to 
the newly added requirements of part 1318.
    This change serves two purposes. First, by cross-referencing part 
1318 in part 1301, this change ensures that marihuana grower applicants 
reviewing the general registration and application requirements in part 
1301 are made aware of the regulations specific to marihuana growers in 
part 1318. Second, the Single Convention does not distinguish marihuana 
grown by a researcher or chemical analyst from that grown by other 
manufacturers; under the Single Convention, a government agency is 
required to purchase and take possession of that marihuana and then 
oversee its distribution. Thus, both to ensure that DEA complies with 
the CSA, including a provision requiring consistency with obligations 
under international treaties such as the Single Convention, and to 
ensure that these applications are treated as equitably as possible, 
DEA is amending its regulations to ensure that all marihuana growers 
are subject to the requirements of both Sec.  1301.33 and part 1318.

Sec.  1318.01: The Scope of the New Marihuana Grower Regulations

    New 21 CFR part 1318 adds a series of new provisions to ensure that 
DEA can register additional marihuana growers in a way consistent with 
its obligations under the CSA, including a provision requiring 
consistency with the Single Convention. New Sec.  1318.01 clarifies the 
scope of these new provisions, stating that they govern ``the 
registration of manufacturers seeking to plant, grow, cultivate, or 
harvest marihuana.''
    Among other things, this serves to make clear that part 1318 only 
applies to those manufacturers involved in activities related to the 
cultivation of marihuana, not all forms of marihuana manufacturing. The 
CSA defines ``manufacturing'' broadly as ``the production, preparation, 
propagation, compounding, or processing of a drug or other substance,'' 
including extraction from plant products and certain forms of 
packaging. 21 U.S.C. 802(15). Thus, under the CSA, entities involved in 
a variety of marihuana-related activities, not just marihuana growers, 
are required to register with DEA as marihuana manufacturers.
    Section 1318.01 emphasizes that part 1318 does not apply to all 
marihuana manufactures, but only to those involved in the planting, 
growing, cultivating, or harvesting of marihuana.\16\ Part 1318 limits 
itself to marihuana growers, rather than all manufacturers, given the 
unique obligations the Single Convention places on the United States 
with regard to the growing of marihuana and the unique diversion risks 
growing presents.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ The rule refers to those ``seeking to plant, grow, 
cultivate, or harvest marihuana'' rather than just to ``grow'' or 
``cultivate,'' to ensure that all activities related to growth and 
cultivation are included.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  1318.02: Definitions

    Part 1318 contains a number of terms that are not used elsewhere in 
DEA regulations or have a unique meaning when used in the context of 
part 1318. Thus, to avoid any ambiguity about the meaning of those 
terms and the regulations in which they are used,

[[Page 82344]]

Sec.  1318.02 specifically defines those terms for the purposes of part 
1318.
    Most of the definitions in Sec.  1318.02 are self-explanatory. For 
example, ``cannabis'' means any plant of the genus Cannabis (unless 
otherwise excepted, as discussed below), and ``cannabis resin'' (with 
one exception discussed below) means the separated resin, whether crude 
or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant. Similarly, the 
definition of ``Single Convention'' includes a citation to eliminate 
any possible confusion about the Single Convention at issue, and the 
definition of ``bona fide purchase agreement'' specifies the broad type 
of agreements DEA is seeking to encompass by this term.
    Several provisions of Sec.  1318.02, however, warrant further 
discussion. First, as discussed in the NPRM and above, the Single 
Convention exempts ``medicinal cannabis'' and ``cannabis preparations'' 
from certain of its requirements. Following suit, part 1318 likewise 
exempts these substances from certain of its provisions, and, to 
facilitate this exemption, Sec.  1318.02 defines ``medicinal cannabis'' 
and ``cannabis preparations.'' Under Sec.  1318.02, ``medicinal 
cannabis'' means a drug product made from the cannabis plant, or 
derivatives thereof that can be legally marketed under the FD&C Act. 
``Cannabis preparation'' means cannabis that was delivered to DEA and 
subsequently converted by a registered manufacturer into a mixture 
(solid or liquid) containing cannabis or cannabis resin. These 
definitions track those of the Single Convention, as adapted to account 
for Federal law.\17\
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    \17\ Article 1 of the Single Convention defines ``medicinal 
opium'' and ``opium preparations.'' These definitions apply to 
cannabis through Article 28, which, with limited exception, subjects 
the cultivation of cannabis to the system of controls set forth in 
Article 23 with regard to the cultivation of opium. DEA adapted the 
Single Convention's definitions to reflect governing Federal law, 
including the FD&C Act and the CSA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, Sec.  1301.02(e) clarifies that, when used in part 1318, 
none of these cannabis-related terms--cannabis, cannabis preparation, 
cannabis resin, or medicinal cannabis--include substances that fall 
outside the CSA's definition of marihuana. Among other things, Sec.  
1301.02(e) is intended to reflect the CSA amendments made by the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (AIA), Public Law 115-334. The AIA 
amended the definition of marihuana to exclude ``hemp,'' defined as the 
plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the 
seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, 
acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a 
delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent 
on a dry weight basis. 7 U.S.C. 1639o(1). Thus, under the AIA, anything 
that meets this definition of hemp is no longer a controlled substance, 
and the CSA's requirements no longer apply to it. This rule is designed 
to regulate marihuana growers, not hemp growers; and thus Sec.  
1301.02(e) ensures that part 1318 does not apply to the cultivation of 
substances do not meet the definition of marihuana under the CSA, such 
as hemp.

Sec.  1318.03: Implementation of the CSA's Requirements

    This section reiterates the requirements of certain other 
provisions of the CSA and DEA regulations, both to make clear that 
these requirements apply to marihuana grower applications and as 
background for other provisions of part 1318. Specifically, Sec.  
1318.03(a) reiterates the requirement of 21 U.S.C. 823(a) that the DEA 
Administrator may only grant an application to cultivate marihuana if 
he determines that such registration is both consistent with the public 
interest and with U.S. obligations under the Single Convention. Section 
1318.03(b) states that, in accordance with both 21 U.S.C. 823(a) and 21 
CFR 1301.44, the applicant has the burden of demonstrating that these 
requirements are satisfied.

Sec.  1318.04: Specific Control Measures Applicable to the Cultivation 
of Marihuana

    This section adds a series of control measures designed to ensure 
that, once DEA registers additional marihuana growers, their marihuana 
cultivation occurs in accordance with the CSA, including the provision 
that requires registrations be granted consistent with the Single 
Convention. In particular, this section adds regulations that will 
ensure that DEA is able to purchase and take possession of marihuana 
crops within four months of harvest, and also that DEA has the 
exclusive right of importing, exporting, wholesale trading, and 
maintaining stocks of marihuana (other than medicinal cannabis or 
cannabis preparations)--both functions that the Single Convention 
expressly requires a single agency of the Federal government to 
perform. This section also contains provisions describing how DEA will 
perform these functions, provisions that are designed both to guide 
DEA's performance of these duties (and growers' expectations) as well 
as to ensure that these functions are performed in a way that protects 
against diversion of marihuana without placing an undue burden on 
growers. These provisions--and how they apply to particular scenarios--
are discussed in greater depth both above and in the NPRM.
    Finally, this section adds a provision that explicitly provides an 
allowance for registered bulk manufacturers of marihuana to distribute 
samples to registered analytical laboratories. Because these samples 
are small, distributed to the laboratory solely for the purpose of 
analysis, and consumed in the course of the analysis or destroyed upon 
completion of the testing, DEA has determined that DEA is not required 
to take possession of these samples to satisfy U.S. obligations under 
the Single Convention. This allowance permits registered bulk 
manufacturers to monitor the cannabinoid content of their crop in order 
to properly time their harvest and demonstrate compliance with contract 
specifications to their customers.

Sec.  1318.05: Applying the CSA's Public Interest Factors to Marihuana 
Grower Applicants

    As indicated above, in addition to ensuring registration is 
consistent with its Single Convention obligations, DEA may grant a 
registration to manufacture a schedule I or II controlled substance 
only where the Administrator determines that the registration is 
consistent with the public interest, based on the factors listed in 21 
U.S.C. 823(a).
    This section both reiterates these public interest factors and 
explains how DEA will evaluate whether a particular marihuana grower 
application is consistent with them. For example, under 21 U.S.C. 
823(a)(1), DEA must weigh, as one of the registration factors, the need 
to maintain effective controls against diversion by limiting the number 
of registered bulk marihuana growers to that which can produce an 
adequate and uninterrupted supply of marihuana under adequately 
competitive conditions. Section 1318.05 states that, for the purpose of 
assessing this factor, a bona fide supply agreement between a marihuana 
grower and a duly registered schedule I researcher or manufacturer 
provides evidence that an applicant's registration is necessary to 
produce an adequate and uninterrupted supply of marihuana under 
adequately competitive conditions. An applicant proposing to grow 
marihuana to supply its own research may also be deemed to have 
satisfied this aspect of public interest factor 823(a)(1) upon the 
presentation of evidence that it possesses a registration to conduct

[[Page 82345]]

research with marihuana under 21 CFR 1301.32.
    The rule also provides that, when selecting marihuana grower 
registrants, the DEA Administrator will place particular emphasis on an 
applicant's ability to consistently produce and supply marihuana of a 
high quality and defined chemical composition, and whether the 
applicant has demonstrated prior compliance with the CSA and DEA 
regulations. These factors are designed to result in registration of 
those manufacturers of marihuana that can most efficiently supply the 
lawful needs of the U.S. market in terms of quantity and quality. These 
factors are further aimed at selecting applicants that can be entrusted 
with the responsibility of a DEA registration and complying with the 
corresponding obligations under the CSA and DEA regulations.
    Section 1318.05(c) provides that, aside from any applications 
governed by 21 U.S.C. 823(i), applications DEA accepts for filing after 
the date this rule becomes effective will not be considered pending 
until all applications accepted for filing on or before this effective 
date have been granted or denied by the Administrator. This is because, 
as explained above, the CSA requires DEA to consider the need to 
maintain effective controls against diversion by limiting the total 
number of registered marihuana growers to that necessary to produce an 
adequate and uninterrupted supply of marihuana under adequately 
competitive conditions. Thus, DEA must consider all pending applicants 
together when deciding which applications to grant. Given this 
requirement, DEA is including this provision to avoid a situation in 
which the agency is in the midst of evaluating these applications and 
has to begin its evaluation anew each time it accepts a new marihuana 
grower application for filing.

Sec.  1318.06: Factors Affecting Marihuana Prices

    As discussed in the NPRM and above, to ensure compliance with the 
CSA, including a provision requiring consistency with the Single 
Convention (and as specified in Sec.  1301.04 of this rule), DEA will 
purchase all lawfully grown marihuana crops within four months of 
harvest and then sell the marihuana to DEA registrants who seek to 
acquire it for research, product development, or other lawful purposes 
under the CSA. To do so, DEA will establish purchasing and selling 
prices: Sec.  1318.06 describes how DEA will do this--and more broadly 
explains how certain aspects of these transactions will work, as well 
as how DEA will fund its expenses from carrying out these duties.
    As explained elsewhere in the NPRM and this rule, in purchasing 
such marihuana, DEA will use the Diversion Control Fee Account 
established in 21 U.S.C. 886a. Thus, DEA must take into account its 
obligation under 21 U.S.C. 886a(1)(C) to charge fees under its 
diversion control program ``at a level that ensures the recovery of the 
full costs of operating the various aspects of that program.'' There 
are two potential categories of fees that could be used to recover the 
costs of carrying out the new aspects of the diversion control program 
relating to marihuana: (1) Fees charged to persons who apply for, and 
seek to renew, a DEA registration to manufacture marihuana, and (2) 
fees charged for the sale of marihuana by DEA. Under this rule, DEA 
intends to recover its basic operating costs primarily through the 
latter means, by recovering these costs through an administrative fee 
set based on these costs. Section 1318.06 describes how this will 
occur.
    Under Sec.  1318.06, DEA will allow market forces to direct prices 
for marihuana grown by the manufacturer and purchased by DEA, allowing 
the marihuana grower and ultimate purchaser to negotiate a sales price. 
Where the grower and the buyer are the same entity (or related 
entities), Sec.  1318.06 allows the entity to set a nominal price.
    In addition to that negotiated price, Sec.  1318.06 provides that 
DEA will add an administrative fee (per kilogram (kg)) to the sales 
price of the marihuana it sells to end users. As provided in Sec.  
1318.06(a), DEA will calculate this administrative fee no less than 
annually by taking the preceding fiscal year's cost to operate the 
program and dividing it by the quantity in kg of the total of the IMQs 
for marihuana issued during the current quota year. Section 1318.06(c) 
requires DEA to make the updated administrative fee available on DEA's 
website.
    As discussed elsewhere, DEA does not intend for this rule to 
interfere with HHS's funding of marihuana for use in research. Thus, to 
avoid any possibility of confusion, Sec.  1318.06(d) notes that this 
section does not prohibit HHS from funding the purchase cost or 
associated administrative fees for marihuana purchased for research.

Sec.  1318.07: DEA's Disclaimer of Liability

    As explained above, DEA generally does not anticipate retaining 
possession of marihuana crops for significant periods of time: In most 
instances, they should be transferred quickly from the seller to the 
buyer, with DEA's possession being as brief as possible to effectuate 
its role in transferring the marihuana from buyer to seller. 
Accordingly, crops are highly unlikely to be damaged or lost in DEA's 
possession. That said, if a buyer concludes that a crop is 
unacceptable, it is conceivable that a grower could claim that the 
damage is attributable to DEA, leading to costly and unnecessary 
disputes. To avoid disputes, Sec.  1318.07 makes clear that DEA has no 
liability with regard to the performance of any of the terms agreed to 
by a grower and buyer of marihuana, including but not limited to the 
quality of the marihuana. In effect, this puts buyers and sellers on 
notice that it is their obligation to structure their marihuana 
transactions in such a way as to minimize the risk of damage or 
disputes over quality, rather than looking to DEA to mediate or bear 
the costs of such disputes.

Regulatory Analyses

Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), 13563 
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and 13771 (Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs)

    This rule was developed in accordance with the principles of 
Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771. Executive Order 12866 directs 
agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory 
alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory 
approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, 
environmental, public health, and safety, and other advantages; 
distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 13563 is 
supplemental to and reaffirms the principles, structures, and 
definitions governing regulatory review established in Executive Order 
12866. Section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 classifies a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' requiring review by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB), as any regulatory action that is likely to result in a 
rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of 
the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere 
with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially alter 
the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan 
programs or the rights and obligations of

[[Page 82346]]

recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising 
out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles 
set forth in the Executive Order.
    OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has 
determined that, although this rule is not economically significant, it 
is a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive 
Order 12866, and it therefore has been reviewed by OMB.
I. Need for the Rule
    This rule is needed to ensure that DEA complies with the CSA and 
grants registrations that are consistent with relevant treaty 
provisions as DEA seeks to increase the number of registered growers of 
marihuana. Specifically, this rule amends the provisions of the 
regulations governing applications by persons seeking to become 
registered with DEA to grow marihuana as bulk manufacturers and adds 
provisions related to the purchase and sale of this marihuana by DEA. 
These amendments will ensure that DEA carries out all five functions 
under Article 23 and Article 28 of the Single Convention pertaining to 
marihuana, thus facilitating the planning and coordinated management of 
marihuana production necessary as the number of registered marihuana 
manufacturers increases.
II. Alternative Approaches
    This rule amends DEA regulations only to the extent necessary to 
comply with the CSA and to ensure DEA grants registrations that are 
consistent with the Single Convention as it pertains to marihuana. In 
areas where DEA has discretion, such as in setting a fee structure to 
recover the cost of this rule, alternative approaches normally would be 
discussed. However, because DEA does not have sufficient information at 
this time to discuss alternatives for either the future registration 
fees or the fees for the sale of marihuana, the alternative approaches 
for such provisions are not included in this rule. Consistent with past 
agency practice, any changes to registration fees will be the subject 
of a separate rulemaking proceeding, including a discussion of 
alternative approaches.
III. Analysis of Benefits and Costs
    There are two key benefits associated with this rule. First, DEA 
believes it is possible that the approval of new growers may increase 
the variety (quality, potency, etc.) of bulk marihuana for research, 
leading to more effective research and potentially resulting in the 
development of FDA-approved drug products. Second, this rule ensures 
that DEA's regulations comply with the requirements of the CSA by 
granting registrations that are consistent with the Single Convention 
relating to marihuana. DEA is unable to quantify these benefits at this 
time.
    DEA analyzed the costs of this rule and estimates an annual cost of 
$651,318.\18\ The details of the analysis are below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ This is an increase from the estimated cost of $607,644 in 
the NPRM. The increase is due to change in estimated personnel 
requirements as described below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This rule amends the provisions of the regulations governing 
applications by persons seeking to become registered with DEA to grow 
marihuana as bulk manufacturers and adds provisions related to the 
purchase and sale of this marihuana by DEA. Upon promulgation of this 
rule, the following key changes are anticipated: More persons will be 
authorized to grow marihuana, DEA will purchase and take title to the 
crops of marihuana, and DEA will, with respect to marihuana, have the 
exclusive right of importing, exporting, wholesale trading, and 
maintaining stocks. These changes mean that authorized purchasers of 
bulk marihuana to be used for research, product development, and other 
purposes permitted by the CSA may only purchase from DEA, except that 
DEA's exclusive rights do not extend to medicinal cannabis or cannabis 
preparations. The changes described above affect three primary groups 
of entities: Growers and prospective growers, the authorizing 
agencies,\19\ and purchasers (generally medical and scientific 
researchers). To examine the impact of the rule, DEA first reviewed the 
current system for growing and distributing bulk marihuana, then 
examined the impact on each of the three affected groups.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The ``authorizing agency'' refers to federal government 
agencies, including NIDA and DEA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current System
    To date, DEA has authorized one grower, the National Center for 
Natural Products Research (National Center), to cultivate marihuana for 
research. NIDA contracts with the National Center to grow marihuana 
from seeds supplied initially by NIDA for use in research studies.\20\ 
The National Center has designated a secure plot of land or indoor grow 
facility where marihuana crops are grown every few years, based on 
current and expected demand. The marihuana is grown, harvested, stored, 
and made available as bulk marihuana or other purified elements of 
marihuana to use for research.\21\ NIDA obligated approximately $1.5 
million in Fiscal Year 2015 under this contract.\22\ This amount 
included costs unrelated to growing and cultivating marihuana, such as 
extracting chemical components and producing marihuana cigarettes and 
other marihuana-related material. However, based on recent discussion 
with NIDA,\23\ DEA estimates NIDA's expenses under the contract with 
the National Center (and any related subcontracts) for the bulk 
marihuana for 2019 were approximately $2.9 million.\24\ The $2.9 
million includes compensation for the cultivating and the 2019 
manufacturing quota (MQ) of 2,000 kgs for NIDA (National Center) as 
well as all other duties required in the contract.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Production, Analysis, and Distribution of Cannabis and 
Related Materials, Federal Business Opportunities (Apr. 12, 2015), 
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NIDA-01/N01DA-15-7793/listing.html.
    \21\ NIDA's Role in Providing Marijuana for Research, National 
Institute on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana/nidas-role-in-providing-marijuana-research.
    \22\ Information on Marijuana Farm Contract, National Institute 
on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana/nidas-role-in-providing-marijuana-research/information-marijuana-farm-contract.
    \23\ Conference call between DEA Regulatory Drafting and Policy 
Support section and members of NIDA's Marijuana Drug Supply Program, 
July 30, 2019.
    \24\ Estimated spending for the marihuana DSP for 2019 was $3.3 
million to $3.4 million, of which 10%-15% meet the definition of 
``hemp'' under the provisions of the AIA. Using the midpoint of 
these ranges, the estimated spending is $2.9 million for marihuana, 
excluding hemp. The figures are based on a general discussion, and 
actual figures may differ.
    \25\ The 2019 APQ for all marihuana is 2,450 kgs. 2,000 of the 
2,450 kgs are for the NIDA (National Center) cultivating and 
manufacturing quota of bulk marihuana. See 83 FR 67348.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Researchers may obtain marihuana for use in research through NIDA's 
DSP. Bulk marihuana plant material produced under the NIDA DSP is 
currently available at no cost to research investigators supported by a 
NIH grant. Marihuana is also available to research investigators who 
are funded through non-Federal sources. Although NIDA considered 
charging for marihuana on a ``cost-reimbursement basis,'' \26\ the 
current policy is to provide the marihuana at no charge.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ Marijuana Plant Material Available from the NIDA Drug 
Supply Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/research/research-data-measures-resources/nida-drug-supply-program/marijuana-plant-material-available-nida-drug-supply-program.
    \27\ Conference call between DEA Regulatory Drafting and Policy 
Support section and members of NIDA's Marijuana Drug Supply Program, 
July 30, 2019.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes to Growers
    Upon promulgation of this rule, DEA anticipates approving more than 
one

[[Page 82347]]

entity to cultivate and harvest bulk marihuana. As explained earlier in 
this document, the CSA imposes limitations on the number of 
registrations that DEA may issue to bulk manufacturers of a given 
schedule I or II controlled substance. In addition, in deciding whether 
to grant an application for any such registration, the CSA requires DEA 
to consider the other public interest factors of 21 U.S.C. 823(a), 
which must be evaluated on an applicant-by-applicant basis. Further, 
DEA cannot accurately predict in advance which particular applications 
will be granted, or how many. Accordingly, DEA is unable to accurately 
estimate the number of registered bulk marihuana growers. As a result, 
to allow for this analysis, DEA estimated the economic impact of this 
rule under two different hypothetical scenarios, the first in which the 
number of growers expands to three growers, and the second in which the 
number of growers expands to 15 growers. It should be understood that 
this range of potential registrants is not necessarily reflective of 
the actual number of applications that DEA will grant.
    In 2016, DEA issued a policy statement regarding applications to 
become registered to manufacture marihuana to supply research.\28\ 
Since the publication of the 2016 policy statement, DEA has received 
approximately 38 pending applications for registration as bulk 
manufacturer of marihuana for research. As indicated above, the CSA 
requires DEA to limit the total number of registered bulk manufacturers 
of a given schedule I or II controlled substance to that necessary to 
produce an adequate and uninterrupted supply under adequately 
competitive conditions. Therefore, DEA believes a range of three to 15 
growers is a reasonable estimate for purposes of this economic 
analysis, with the understanding that the actual number could vary 
considerably.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ Applications to Become Registered Under the Controlled 
Substances Act to Manufacture Marijuana to Supply Researchers in the 
United States, 81 FR 53846 (Aug. 12, 2016). This rule supersedes the 
2016 policy statement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The APQ, which includes the MQ, represents the annual quantity of 
marihuana that is necessary for the estimated medical, scientific, 
research and industrial needs of the United States, for lawful export 
requirements, and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve 
stocks.\29\ Therefore, given a constant MQ, if more growers are 
approved to produce bulk marihuana, the quantities of bulk marihuana 
produced and the cost of production (and the reimbursement of 
production cost through sales) is transferred from the single incumbent 
grower to new growers. This means that there is only a transfer of 
economic activity rather than any new cost. The estimated economic 
activity of $2.9 million is transferred from the existing single grower 
to multiple growers.\30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ 21 CFR 1303.11(a).
    \30\ The phrase ``multiple growers'' includes the possibility 
that the current grower is one of ``multiple growers.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Transitioning from one large grower to multiple growers may 
introduce inefficiencies, driving up production or facility costs. Some 
growers may introduce more costly growing techniques to produce certain 
traits. Alternatively, some growers may introduce more efficient 
growing methods, driving down costs. Additionally, having more growers 
may spur more demand in bulk marihuana for research, pushing up the MQ. 
In particular, one of the goals of this new rule is to enhance 
marijuana availability for product development, which may have the 
effect of increasing the MQ. However, DEA does not have a basis to 
estimate the impact of these possibilities. Therefore, for the purposes 
of this analysis, DEA estimates that an increase in the number of 
approved growers does not impact the MQ. In summary, there is no new 
cost to growers.
Changes to Authorizing Agencies--Cost to DEA
    DEA anticipates that there will be a transfer of economic activity 
from NIDA to DEA as well as several new costs as a result of this rule. 
This analysis should not be construed as a proposal to modify agency 
funding or funding sources.
    As discussed above, assuming a constant MQ for bulk marihuana of 
2,000 kgs, DEA estimates the cost of all the activities the National 
Center performs under its contract with NIDA and the purchase of the 
entire aggregate crop, regardless of the number of growers, is $2.9 
million. This $2.9 million is not a new cost; it is a transfer. Rather 
than NIDA paying the current single grower, DEA will pay the multiple 
new growers. In practice, DEA anticipates crops from multiple growers 
will be purchased at different times of the year, allowing funds from 
sales of earlier purchases to pay for subsequent purchases. Therefore, 
to purchase and distribute $2.9 million in bulk marihuana, a working 
capital of a lesser amount is likely needed. However, due to many 
unknowns and to be conservative, for the purposes of this analysis, the 
estimated transfer and working capital requirement is assumed to be 
$2.9 million.
    DEA anticipates incurring new costs associated with the following 
activities: Taking title to the crops and employing personnel to 
administer the program. The growers, purchasers, and DEA will already 
understand, prior to growing and harvesting, the quantities of 
marihuana to be distributed and to whom the distribution will be made, 
because the bona fide supply agreements presented during the 
registration application process will provide such information. In most 
instances, DEA is expected to purchase and take title to the crop, then 
sell and distribute the crop to the purchaser on the same day at the 
grower's registered location. For the purposes of this analysis, DEA 
assumes the following process:
    1. After marihuana is harvested and prepared for delivery to DEA, 
the registered manufacturer will contact DEA to inform it that the 
marihuana is ready for collection.
    2. Within a reasonable timeframe, but in no event later than four 
months after the harvest, DEA will purchase and take title to the 
marihuana. Two DEA Special Agents from the nearest local DEA field 
office will drive an estimated 100 miles (200 miles roundtrip) to the 
registered manufacturer to take title. Any marihuana that is not 
immediately distributed is stored in a designated secure storage 
mechanism at the grower's registered location for later distribution. 
The number of trips by the two DEA Special Agents equals the number of 
harvests.
    3. For marihuana distributed from storage at the grower's 
registered location, the grower distributes marihuana on DEA's behalf. 
If DEA deems it necessary to be present at such distribution, the 
distribution is scheduled to coincide with DEA's visit to take title to 
the next crop, requiring no additional trips by DEA to the grower.
    4. Each grower has three harvests, requiring DEA to collect three 
times per year per grower.
    For each collection, DEA estimates $2,071 of labor cost \31\ and 
$116 of vehicle cost \32\ for a total of $2,187 per

[[Page 82348]]

collection. DEA understands that some growers, employing certain 
growing methods, may have more harvests per year. However, DEA does not 
have a basis to estimate these growers' methods or the number of 
harvests per year. Therefore, DEA believes three harvests per year is a 
reasonable estimate. Assuming three collections per year per grower, 
there would be nine collections with three approved growers and 45 
collections with 15 approved growers. Applying the estimated cost of 
$2,187 per collection, DEA estimates a transport cost of $19,683 and 
$98,415 for scenarios with three and 15 growers, respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ DEA's loaded hourly rate of a Special Agent is $103.54. 
Assuming 10 hours each (full work-day) for two agents, the total 
labor cost associated with collection from a registered manufacturer 
is $2,071. ``Loaded hourly rate'' includes wages, benefits, and 
``loading'' of ``non-productive'' hours, i.e., leave, training, 
travel, etc.
    \32\ $116 is based on Internal Revenue Service standard mileage 
rates for 2019 of $0.58 per mile multiplied by the estimated 200 
miles driven, roundtrip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, DEA anticipates it will need additional personnel 
resources to operate this program. There are many unknowns and no 
decisions have been made on hiring. However, for the purposes of this 
analysis, DEA estimates three full-time-equivalent (FTE) professional 
staff in the Diversion Control Division will be needed, consisting of 
two FTE diversion investigator (DI), and one FTE professional/
administrative (PA) resources.
    Applying the fully loaded annual cost of $211,981 per DI and 
$168,307 per PA, the estimated total cost of the three FTE employees is 
$592,269. For the purposes of this analysis, this cost does not vary 
with the number of growers. Table 1 below summarizes the costs 
associated with increased staffing.

                                      Table 1--Cost of Personnel Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Modular cost/unit
             Position                    Job category             cost ($)        Number of FTEs     Cost ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Coordinator.................  DI...................  211,981..............               2         423,962
Program Analyst...................  PA...................  168,307..............               1         168,307
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.........................  N/A..................  N/A..................               3         592,269
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In summary the estimated cost to DEA is:
     $19,683 or $98,415 per year to purchase and take title to 
the bulk marihuana for scenarios with 3 or 15 authorized growers, 
respectively;
     $592,269 per year for three DEA FTE employees;
     The estimated total annual cost is $611,952 with three 
growers and $690,684 with 15 growers and no offsetting cost savings at 
NIDA. Using the average of the two values, the estimated cost to DEA is 
$651,318. Table 2 summarizes the costs.

                                            Table 2--DEA Cost Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Low ($)        High ($)       Average ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transport Cost..................................................          19,683          98,415             N/A
Personnel Cost..................................................         592,269         592,269             N/A
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total Cost..................................................         611,952         690,684         651,318
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes Affecting Researchers
    DEA anticipates minimal procedural change for authorized 
researchers who plan to acquire bulk marihuana for research. The only 
anticipated procedural change is that some researchers will acquire the 
bulk marihuana from DEA, rather than from NIDA. As discussed earlier, 
the only new cost associated with this regulation is the cost to DEA of 
$651,318, an average of high and low scenarios, which will be recovered 
by adding an administrative fee of $326 per kg. The administrative fee 
was updated from $304 per kg in the NPRM to $326 per kg in this final 
rule because there is a change in the personnel required to administer 
the program.\33\ As discussed earlier, the administrative fee will be 
adjusted annually.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ In the NPRM, DEA estimated personnel requirements to 
administer the program was one DEA Diversion Investigator and two 
Professional/Administrative personnel. After further review, DEA has 
estimated in this final rule that two DEA Diversion Investigators 
and one Professional/Administrative personnel are needed to 
administer the program. The two Diversion Investigators are needed 
to provide adequate oversight of reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements associated with distribution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While the purchaser will purchase marihuana from DEA, this rule 
does not in any way affect the purchaser's source of funds to purchase 
from DEA. If marihuana for research is funded by a third party, the 
researcher may not experience any cost increase. In particular, NIH has 
long served as a third-party funder for research through grants, 
including grants to researchers studying marihuana. Nothing in this 
rule prohibits NIH from continuing to fund such research by continuing 
to cover the cost of marihuana materials used in research, via grants 
to researchers.
Cost Summary
    DEA estimates the cost of producing the 2019 MQ for bulk marihuana 
of 2,000 kgs and operating NIDA's marihuana DSP is $2.9 million per 
year. Under the rule, DEA anticipates more bulk marihuana producers 
will be approved. DEA estimates the $2.9 million in economic activity 
will be transferred across multiple growers, without introducing new 
costs.
    DEA's purchase of bulk marihuana is not a new cost (to the 
economy); it is a transfer from NIDA to DEA. However, $611,952 to 
$690,684 in operating costs will be incurred by DEA. DEA will recover 
the costs of carrying out the new aspects of the diversion control 
program relating to marihuana by selling the marihuana to the buyer at 
the negotiated

[[Page 82349]]

sale price, between the grower and the buyer, plus the administrative 
fee assessed on a per kg basis.
    The net present values (NPV) of the low cost estimate of $611,952 
per year over 10 years are $5.2 million and $4.3 million at a three 
percent discount rate and seven percent discount rate, respectively. 
The NPVs of the high cost estimate of $690,684 over 10 years are $5.9 
million and $4.9 million at a three percent discount rate and seven 
percent discount rate, respectively. The average of the estimated low 
and high costs is $651,318. The NPVs of the average of $651,318 over 10 
years are $5.6 million and $4.6 million at three percent and seven 
percent discount rates, respectively. Table 3 summarizes the estimated 
annual effect and NPVs calculation for each of the transfers and the 
three scenarios.

                                   Table 3--Summary of Annual Effect and NPVs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Annual effect    NPVs at 3%      NPVs at 7%
                                                                        ($)            ($M)            ($M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost (Low)......................................................         611,952             5.2             4.3
Cost (Average)..................................................         651,318             5.6             4.6
Cost (High).....................................................         690,684             5.9             4.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Executive Order 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs)

    This rule is a deregulatory action for the purposes of Executive 
Order 13771. The rule is an enabling rule which, coincidentally with 
other provisions, expands the number of authorized bulk marihuana 
growers.

Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This rule meets the applicable standards set forth in sections 3(a) 
and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to 
eliminate ambiguity, minimize litigation, establish clear legal 
standards, and reduce burdens on regulated parties and the court 
system.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    This rule does not have federalism implications warranting the 
application of Executive Order 13132. The rule does not have 
substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments)

    This rule does not have tribal implications warranting the 
application of Executive Order 13175. It does not have substantial 
direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship 
between the Federal government and Indian tribes, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
government and Indian tribes.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), DEA 
evaluated the impact of this rule on small entities. DEA's evaluation 
of economic impact by size category indicates that the rule will not, 
if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of these small entities.
    The RFA requires agencies to analyze options for regulatory relief 
of small entities unless the agency can certify that the rule will not 
have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
For purposes of the RFA, small entities include small businesses, 
nonprofit organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. DEA 
evaluated the impact of this rule on small entities and a discussion of 
its findings is below.
    As discussed in the section of this rulemaking relating to 
Executive Orders 12866, 13565, and 13771, this rule amends the 
provisions of the regulations governing applications by persons seeking 
to become registered with DEA to grow marihuana as bulk manufacturers, 
and adds provisions related to the purchase and sale of this marihuana 
by DEA. Upon promulgation of this rule, the following key changes are 
anticipated: More persons will be authorized to grow marihuana; DEA 
will purchase and take physical possession of crops; and DEA will, with 
respect to marihuana, have the exclusive right of importing, exporting, 
wholesale trading, and maintaining stocks. These changes, as explained 
above, mean that authorized purchasers of bulk marihuana may only 
purchase from DEA, except that DEA's exclusive right will not extend to 
medicinal cannabis or cannabis preparations as these terms are defined 
in paragraphs (b) and (c), respectively, of Sec.  1318.02 of this rule.
    The changes described above affect three primary groups of 
entities: Growers and prospective growers, the authorizing agencies 
(including NIDA and DEA), and purchasers (generally researchers). 
Because any economic impact on Federal agencies is outside the scope of 
the RFA, the transfer of economic activity between the agencies is 
excluded from this discussion. To examine the impact of the rule, DEA 
first reviewed the current system for growing and distributing bulk 
marihuana, then examined the impact on each of the two affected non-
Federal groups: Growers (bulk manufacturers of marihuana) and 
researchers.
Current System
    To date, DEA has authorized one grower, the National Center, to 
cultivate marihuana for research. NIDA contracts with the National 
Center to grow marihuana for use in research studies.\34\ The National 
Center designates a secure plot of land where marihuana crops are grown 
every few years, based on current and expected demand. The marihuana is 
grown, harvested, stored, and made available as bulk marihuana or other 
purified elements of marihuana to use for research.\35\ As explained 
previously, DEA estimates NIDA's expenses under the contract with the 
National Center (and any related subcontracts) for the bulk marihuana 
for 2019 were approximately $2.9 million.\36\ The $2.9 million includes 
compensation for the cultivating and the 2019 MQ of 2,000 kgs for NIDA 
as well as all other duties required in the contract.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ Production, Analysis, and Distribution of Cannabis and 
Related Materials, Federal Business Opportunities (Apr. 12, 2015), 
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NIDA-01/N01DA-15-7793/listing.html.
    \35\ NIDA's Role in Providing Marijuana for Research, National 
Institute on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana/nidas-role-in-providing-marijuana-research.
    \36\ Estimated spending for the marihuana DSP for 2019 was $3.3 
million to $3.4 million, of which 10 percent to 15 percent meet the 
definition of ``hemp'' under the provisions of the AIA. Using the 
midpoint of these ranges, the estimated spending is $2.9 million. 
The figures are based on a general discussion, and actual figures 
may differ.
    \37\ The 2019 APQ for all manufacturers of marihuana is 2,450 
kgs. 2,000 kgs are for cultivating and manufacturing of bulk 
marihuana. See 83 FR 67348.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 82350]]

    Researchers may obtain marihuana for use in research through NIDA's 
DSP. Bulk marihuana plant material produced under the NIDA DSP is 
available at no cost to research investigators who are supported by an 
NIH grant. Marihuana is also available to research investigators who 
are funded through non-Federal sources. Although NIDA considered 
charging for marihuana on a ``cost-reimbursement basis,'' \38\ the 
current policy is to provide the marihuana at no charge.\39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ Marijuana Plant Material Available from the NIDA Drug 
Supply Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/research/research-data-measures-resources/nida-drug-supply-program/marijuana-plant-material-available-nida-drug-supply-program.
    \39\ See note 23.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Impact on Growers
    Upon promulgation of this rule, DEA anticipates approving more than 
one person to cultivate and harvest bulk marihuana. In 2016, DEA issued 
a policy statement regarding applications to become registered to 
manufacture marihuana to supply research.\40\ Since the publication of 
the 2016 policy statement, there are approximately 38 pending 
applications for registration as bulk manufacturer of marihuana for 
research. Additionally, some applicants may not meet the statutory and 
regulatory criteria for holding a registration as a bulk manufacture 
and will be denied. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis, DEA 
will estimate the economic impact of this rule at three and 15 growers 
with the understanding that the actual number could vary considerably.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ Applications to Become Registered under the Controlled 
Substances Act to Manufacture Marijuana to Supply Researchers in the 
United States, 81 FR 53846 (2016). This rule supersedes the 2016 
policy statement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The APQ, which includes the MQ, represents the annual quantity of 
marihuana that is necessary for the estimated medical, scientific, 
research and industrial needs of the United States, for lawful export 
requirements, and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve 
stocks.\41\ Therefore, given a constant MQ, if more growers are 
approved to produce bulk marihuana, the quantities of bulk marihuana 
produced and the cost of production (and reimbursement of their 
production cost through sales) is transferred from the incumbent grower 
to new growers. This means that there is no new cost; instead, there is 
only a transfer of economic activity. The estimated economic activity 
of $2.9 million is transferred from the existing single grower to 
multiple growers.\42\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ 21 U.S.C. 826(a).
    \42\ The phrase ``multiple growers'' includes the possibility 
that the current grower is one of the ``multiple growers.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Transitioning from one large grower to multiple smaller growers may 
reduce production efficiency, driving up cost. Some growers may 
introduce more costly growing techniques in order to produce certain 
traits. Alternatively, some growers may introduce more efficient 
growing methods, driving down cost. Additionally, having more growers 
may spur more demand in bulk marihuana for research, pushing up the MQ. 
However, DEA does not have a basis to estimate the impact of these 
possibilities.
Impact on Researchers
    DEA anticipates minimal procedural change for authorized 
researchers who plan to acquire bulk marihuana for research. The only 
anticipated procedural change is that the researcher will acquire the 
bulk marihuana from DEA, rather than from NIDA or the National Center. 
As discussed earlier, the only new cost associated with this regulation 
is the cost to DEA of $651,318, which will be recovered by adding an 
administrative fee of $326 per kg. As discussed earlier, the 
administrative fee will be adjusted annually. While purchasers will 
purchase marihuana from DEA, this rule does not in any way affect the 
purchasers' source of funds to purchase from DEA. If marihuana for 
research is funded by a third party, the researcher may not experience 
any cost increase.
Affected Number of Small Entities
    This rule affects the current and prospective bulk manufacturers of 
marihuana for research and researchers. Based on the discussion above, 
DEA anticipates up to 15 bulk manufacturers are affected by this rule. 
Additionally, based on a discussion with NIDA,\43\ DEA estimates 40 
researchers are affected by this rule. The 40 researchers represent the 
approximate number of researchers that receive marihuana from NIDA's 
marihuana DSP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ Conference call between DEA Regulatory Drafting and Policy 
Support section and members of NIDA's Marijuana Drug Supply Program, 
July 30, 2019.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on a review of representative North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) codes for bulk manufacturers and 
researchers, the following number of firms may be affected: \44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ For the purposes of this analysis, the term ``firms'' is 
synonymous with ``entities.''

     421 firms related to `Medicinal and Botanical 
Manufacturing' (325411) \45\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ 2015 SUSB Annual Datasets by Establishment Industry, U.S. & 
States, NAICS, Detailed Employment Sizes (U.S., 6-digit and States, 
NAICS Sectors), United States Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/data/datasets/2015/econ/susb/2015-susb.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     9,634 firms related to `Research and Development in the 
Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' 
(541712) \46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ Ibid.

    The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) sets size 
standards that determine how large an entity can be and still qualify 
as a small business for Federal government programs. For the most part, 
size standards are based on the average annual receipts or the average 
number of employees of a firm. The SBA size standard for both 
industries identified by the NAICS codes above is 1,000 employees.\47\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ Table of Small Business Size Standards Matched to North 
American Industry Classification System Codes, United States Small 
Business Association (Oct. 1, 2017). The NAICS code was updated for 
`Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life 
Sciences (except Biotechnology)' from 541712 to 541715. The 2015 
SUSB data uses 541712 and the 2017 SBA size standard uses 541715 for 
the same industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comparing the SBA size standards to the U.S. Census Bureau, 
Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) detailed data on establishment 
size by NAICS code for each affected industry, DEA estimates the 
following number of small entities and percent of firms that are small 
entities by industry:

     392 (93.1 percent of total) firms in the area of 
`Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing' (325411)
     9,090 (94.4 percent of total) firms in the area of 
`Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life 
Sciences (except Biotechnology)' (541712)

    Table 4 details the calculation for the number of small entities by 
industry.

[[Page 82351]]



                                  Table 4--Number of Small Entities by Industry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Firm size by average                   SBA size       Small        % small
        NAICS description                 employees            Firms       standard      entities     entities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
325411--Medicinal and Botanical   <500....................          384         1,000          384           100
 Manufacturing.
                                  500-749.................            3                          3           100
                                  750-999.................            5                          5           100
                                  1,000-1,499.............            6                ...........             0
                                  1,500-1,999.............            2                ...........             0
                                  2,000-2,499.............            1                ...........             0
                                  2,500-4,999.............            7                ...........             0
                                  5,000+..................           13                ...........             0
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Total................          421                        392          93.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
541712--Research and Development  <500....................        8,972         1,000        8,972           100
 in the Physical, Engineering,    500-749.................           68  ............           68           100
 and Life Sciences (except
 Biotechnology).
                                  750-999.................           50                         50           100
                                  1,000-1,499.............           70                ...........             0
                                  1,500-1,999.............           40                ...........             0
                                  2,000-2,499.............           35                ...........             0
                                  2,500-4,999.............          132                ...........             0
                                  5,000+..................          267                ...........             0
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Total................        9,634                      9,090          94.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Applying the calculated respective percentage for small entities to 
the number of affected bulk manufacturers and researchers, DEA 
estimates 14 (15 x 93.1 percent) bulk manufacturers and 38 (40 x 94.4 
percent) researchers, for a total of 52 small entities, will be 
affected by this rule. The 14 affected small entity bulk manufacturers 
represent four percent of the estimated 392 small entities in the 
`Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing' (325412) industry, and the 38 
affected small entity researchers represent 0.4 percent of the 
estimated 9,090 small entities in the `Research and Development in the 
Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' 
(541712) industry. Table 5 summarizes the calculations for the 
percentage of small entities that are affected by the rule.

                             Table 5--Percent of Small Entities Affected by Industry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Estimated
                                  Number of       SBA size        Estimated        number of      Percentage of
      NAICS description             firms         standard     number of small   affected small   small entities
                                                                   entities         entities         affected
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
325411--Medicinal and                     421           1,000              392               14                4
 Botanical Manufacturing.....
541712--Research and                    9,634           1,000            9,090               38              0.4
 Development in the Physical,
 Engineering, and Life
 Sciences (except
 Biotechnology)..............
                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total....................          10,055             N/A            9,482               52              N/A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DEA generally uses a threshold of 30 percent as a ``substantial'' 
number of affected small entities. Thus, the above analysis reveals 
that a non-substantial amount of small bulk manufacturer entities (4 
percent) and of small researcher entities (0.4 percent) will be 
affected by this rule.
    DEA generally considers impacts that are greater than three percent 
of annual revenue to be a ``significant economic impact'' on an entity. 
As discussed earlier, DEA estimates that there will be a new cost to 
DEA of $611,952 to $690,684 per year, or the average of the high and 
low estimates of $651,318 per year. DEA will recover the costs of 
carrying out the new aspects of the diversion control program relating 
to marihuana by selling the marihuana to the buyer at the negotiated 
sale price, between the grower and the buyer, plus the administrative 
fee assessed on a per kg basis. Based on the average of the high and 
low estimates of $651,318 and MQ of 2,000 kgs, the administrative fee 
is $326 per kg, adjusted annually.
    Furthermore, NIH-funded or other third-party funded researchers are 
likely to request and receive enough funding for the full price of 
marihuana, including the administrative fee. There will be no impact to 
these researchers. However, DEA does not have sufficient information to 
estimate the number of small entity researchers that will fall under 
this category. Although DEA is unable to quantify the economic impact 
for the estimated 14 small entity bulk manufacturers and 38 small 
entity researchers, the number of affected small entity manufacturers 
and researchers is not a substantial number of small entities in their 
respective industries.
    Based on the analysis above, and because of these facts, DEA 
believes this rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 
2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., DEA has determined that this action will not 
result in any Federal mandate that may result ``in the expenditure by 
State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any 1 year.'' See 2 U.S.C. 1532(a). Therefore, neither

[[Page 82352]]

a Small Government Agency Plan nor any other action is required under 
the UMRA.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 
3501-3521, DEA is revising existing information collection 1117-0012. A 
person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless 
it displays a valid OMB control number. Copies of existing information 
collections approved by OMB may be obtained at https://www.reginfo.gov/.
A. Collections of Information Associated With the Rule
    Title: Application for Registration (DEA Form 225); Renewal 
Application for Registration (DEA Form 225A); Affidavit for Chain 
Renewal (DEA Form 225B).
    OMB control number: 1117-0012.
    Form numbers: DEA-225, DEA-225A, DEA-225B.
    Type of information collection: Revision of a currently approved 
collection.
    Applicable component of the department sponsoring the collection: 
Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion 
Control Division.
    Affected public who will be asked or required to respond: Business 
or other for-profit.
    Abstract: The Controlled Substances Act requires all businesses and 
individuals who manufacture, distribute, import, export, or conduct 
research and laboratory analysis with controlled substances to register 
with DEA. 21 U.S.C. 822; 21 CFR 1301.11, 1301.13. Registration is a 
necessary control measure that helps to detect and prevent diversion by 
ensuring that the closed system of distribution of controlled 
substances can be monitored by DEA, and that the businesses and 
individuals handling controlled substances are accountable.
    This rule amends the regulations governing applications by persons 
seeking to become registered with DEA to grow marihuana as bulk 
manufacturers and adds provisions related to the purchase and sale of 
this marihuana by DEA. Persons seeking to become registered with DEA to 
grow marihuana as bulk manufacturers will still apply for registration 
using the same DEA Form 225 as other bulk manufacturers, but there will 
be a new supplemental questionnaire unique to marihuana manufacturers 
in order to gather additional information about applicants. There will 
also be new questionnaires used for importer applicants and non-
marihuana bulk manufacturer applicants. Forms 225, 225A, and 225B will 
all receive minor revisions to improve clarity and usability for 
registrants.
    DEA estimates the following number of respondents and burden 
associated with this collection of information:
     Number of respondents: 15,919.
     Frequency of response: 1 per respondent per year.
     Number of responses: 15,919.
     Burden per response: 0.1304 hours.
     Total annual burden in hours: 2,076.
    If you need a copy of the proposed information collection 
instruments with instructions or additional information, please contact 
the Regulatory Drafting and Policy Support Section (DPW), Diversion 
Control Division, Drug Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 
8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152-2639; Telephone: 
(571) 362-3261.
    At this point, any comments related to this collection of 
information may be sent in writing to the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for DOJ, Washington, 
DC 20503. Please state that your comment refers to RIN 1117-AB54/Docket 
No. DEA-506.

Congressional Review Act

    This final rule is not a major rule as defined by the Congressional 
Review Act (CRA), 5 U.S.C. 804. This final rule will not result in an 
annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more; a major increase 
in costs or prices; or significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of 
United States-based companies to compete with foreign-based companies 
in domestic and export markets. DEA submitted a copy of the final rule 
to both Houses of Congress and to the Comptroller General.

National Environmental Policy Act

    DEA has analyzed the impacts of this Final Rule on the human 
environment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., and has determined that it is categorically 
excluded under 28 CFR part 61, Appendix B. Categorical exclusions are 
actions identified in an agency's NEPA implementing procedures that 
normally do not have a significant impact on the environment and 
therefore do not require either an environmental assessment (EA) or 
environmental impact statement (EIS). See 40 CFR 1508.4. In analyzing 
the applicability of a categorical exclusion, the agency must also 
consider whether extraordinary circumstances are present that would 
warrant preparation of an EA or EIS. This action is covered by the 
categorical exclusion for registration of persons authorized to handle 
controlled substances listed in 28 CFR part 61, Appendix B.

List of Subjects

21 CFR Part 1301

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, 
Security measures.

21 CFR Part 1318

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DEA amends 21 CFR chapter 
II as follows:

PART 1301--REGISTRATION OF MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND 
DISPENSERS OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

0
1. The authority citation for part 1301 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 821, 822, 823, 824, 831, 871(b), 875, 877, 
886a, 951, 952, 956, 957, 958, 965 unless otherwise noted.


0
2. In Sec.  1301.33, revise paragraph (c) and add paragraph (d) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  1301.33   Application for bulk manufacture of Schedule I and II 
substances.

* * * * *
    (c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, this 
section shall not apply to the manufacture of basic classes of 
controlled substances listed in Schedule I or II as an incident to 
research or chemical analysis as authorized in Sec.  1301.13(e)(1).
    (d) An application for registration to manufacture marihuana that 
involves the planting, cultivating, growing, or harvesting of marihuana 
shall be subject to the requirements of this section and the additional 
requirements set forth in part 1318 of this chapter.

0
3. Add part 1318 to read as follows:

PART 1318--CONTROLS TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACT 
APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURING OF MARIHUANA

Sec.
1318.01 Scope of this part.
1318.02 Definitions.
1318.03 Implementation of statutory requirements.
1318.04 Specific control measures applicable to the bulk manufacture 
of marihuana.

[[Page 82353]]

1318.05 Application of the public interest factors.
1318.06 Factors affecting prices for the purchase and sale by the 
Administration of cannabis.
1318.07 Non-liability of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 801(7), 821, 822(a)(1), (b), 823(a), 
871(b), 886a.


Sec.  1318.01   Scope of this part.

    Procedures governing the registration of manufacturers seeking to 
plant, grow, cultivate, or harvest marihuana are set forth by this 
part.


Sec.  1318.02   Definitions.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the term 
cannabis means any plant of the genus Cannabis.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the term 
medicinal cannabis means a drug product made from the cannabis plant, 
or derivatives thereof, that can be legally marketed under the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    (c) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the term 
cannabis preparation means cannabis that was delivered to the 
Administration and subsequently converted by a registered manufacturer 
into a mixture (solid or liquid) containing cannabis, cannabis resin, 
or extracts of cannabis.
    (d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the term 
cannabis resin means the separated resin, whether crude or purified, 
obtained from the cannabis plant.
    (e) As used in this part, the terms cannabis, medicinal cannabis, 
and cannabis preparation do not include any material, compound, 
mixture, or preparation that falls outside the definition of marihuana 
in section 102(16) of the Controlled Substances Act (the Act) (21 
U.S.C. 802(16)).
    (f) The term Single Convention means the Single Convention on 
Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (18 U.S.T. 1407).
    (g) The term bona fide supply agreement means a letter of intent, 
purchase order or contract between an applicant and a researcher or 
manufacturer registered under the Act.
    (h) The term registered researcher or manufacturer means a person 
registered under the Act to perform research or manufacture of 
marihuana in Schedule I.


Sec.  1318.03   Implementation of statutory requirements.

    (a) As provided in section 303(a) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 823(a)), 
the Administrator may grant an application for a registration to 
manufacture marihuana, including the cultivation of cannabis, only if 
he determines that such registration is consistent with the public 
interest and with United States obligations under the Single 
Convention.
    (b) In accordance with section 303(a) of the Act and Sec.  
1301.44(a) of this chapter, the burden shall be on the applicant to 
demonstrate that the requirements for such registration have been 
satisfied.


Sec.  1318.04   Specific control measures applicable to the bulk 
manufacture of marihuana.

    For a registration to manufacture marihuana that involves the 
cultivation of cannabis, the following provisions must be satisfied:
    (a) All registered manufacturers who cultivate cannabis shall 
deliver their total crops of cannabis to the Administration, except as 
provided in paragraph (d). The Administration shall purchase and take 
physical possession of such crops as soon as possible, but not later 
than four months after the end of the harvest. The Administration may 
accept delivery and maintain possession of such crops at the registered 
location of the registered manufacturer authorized to cultivate 
cannabis consistent with the maintenance of effective controls against 
diversion. In such cases, the Administration shall designate a secure 
storage mechanism at the registered location in which the 
Administration may maintain possession of the cannabis, and the 
Administration will control access to the stored cannabis. If the 
Administration determines that no suitable location exists at the 
registered location of the registered manufacturer authorized to 
cultivate cannabis, then the Administration shall designate a location 
for the authorized grower to deliver the crop as soon as possible, but 
not later than four months after the end of the harvest. However, in 
all cases the registrant must comply with the security requirements 
specified in part 1301 of this chapter.
    (b) The Administration shall, with respect to cannabis, have the 
exclusive right of importing, exporting, wholesale trading, and 
maintaining stocks other than those held by registered manufacturers 
and distributors of medicinal cannabis or cannabis preparations. Such 
exclusive right shall not extend to medicinal cannabis or cannabis 
preparations. The Administration may exercise its exclusive right by 
authorizing the performance of such activities by appropriately 
registered persons. The Administration shall require prior written 
notice of each proposed importation, exportation, or distribution of 
cannabis that specifies the quantity of cannabis to be imported, 
exported, or distributed and the name, address, and registration number 
of the registered manufacturer or researcher to receive the cannabis 
before authorizing the importation, exportation, or distribution. All 
importation and exportation shall be performed in compliance with part 
1312 of this chapter, as applicable. Under no circumstance shall a 
registered manufacturer authorized to grow cannabis import, export, or 
distribute cannabis without the express written authorization of the 
Administration.
    (c) A registered manufacturer authorized to grow cannabis shall 
notify in writing the Administration of its proposed date of harvest at 
least 15 days before the commencement of the harvest.
    (d) A registered manufacturer authorized to grow cannabis may 
distribute small quantities of cannabis to a registered analytical lab 
for chemical analysis by such analytical lab prior to the 
Administration purchasing and taking physical possession of the crop. 
The cannabis delivered to the analytical lab under such circumstances 
need not be delivered to the Administration pursuant to paragraph (a), 
provided such cannabis is destroyed by the analytical lab upon 
completion of the testing. Any such distribution of cannabis by a 
registered manufacturer to a registered analytical lab must comply with 
all applicable requirements of the Act and this subchapter, including 
but not limited to security and recordkeeping requirements.


Sec.  1318.05   Application of the public interest factors.

    (a) In accordance with section 303(a) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 
823(a)), the Administrator shall consider the public interest factors 
set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section:
    (1) Maintenance of effective controls against diversion of 
particular controlled substances and any controlled substance in 
schedule I or II compounded therefrom into other than legitimate 
medical, scientific, research, or industrial channels, by limiting the 
importation and bulk manufacture of such controlled substances to a 
number of establishments which can produce an adequate and 
uninterrupted supply of these substances under adequately competitive 
conditions for legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial 
purposes;
    (2) Compliance with applicable State and local law;
    (3) Promotion of technical advances in the art of manufacturing 
these

[[Page 82354]]

substances and the development of new substances;
    (4) Prior conviction record of applicant under Federal and State 
laws relating to the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of such 
substances;
    (5) Past experience in the manufacture of controlled substances, 
and the existence in the establishment of effective control against 
diversion; and
    (6) Such other factors as may be relevant to and consistent with 
the public health and safety.
    (b) The Administrator's determination of which applicants to select 
will be consistent with the public interest factors set forth in 
section 303(a), with particular emphasis on the following criteria:
    (1) Whether the applicant has demonstrated prior compliance with 
the Act and this chapter;
    (2) The applicant's ability to consistently produce and supply 
cannabis of a high quality and defined chemical composition; and
    (3)(i) In determining under section 303(a)(1) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 
823(a)(1)) the number of qualified applicants necessary to produce an 
adequate and uninterrupted supply of cannabis under adequately 
competitive conditions, the Administrator shall place particular 
emphasis on the extent to which any applicant is able to supply 
cannabis or its derivatives in quantities and varieties that will 
satisfy the anticipated demand of researchers and other registrants in 
the United States who wish to obtain cannabis to conduct activities 
permissible under the Act, as demonstrated through a bona fide supply 
agreement with a registered researcher or manufacturer as defined in 
this subpart.
    (ii) If an applicant seeks registration to grow cannabis for its 
own research or product development, the applicant must possess 
registration as a schedule I researcher with respect to marihuana under 
Sec.  1301.32 of this chapter. As specified in Sec.  1301.13 of this 
chapter, chemical analysis and preclinical research (including quality 
control analysis) are not coincident activities of a manufacturing 
registration for schedule I substances, including cannabis. In 
determining under section 303(a)(1) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 823(a)(1)) 
the number of qualified applicants necessary to produce an adequate and 
uninterrupted supply of cannabis under adequately competitive 
conditions, the Administrator shall consider the holding of an approved 
marihuana research protocol by a registered schedule I researcher 
seeking to grow cannabis for its own research or product development as 
evidence of the necessity of the applicant's registration under this 
factor.
    (c) Applications accepted for filing after January 19, 2021 will 
not be considered pending for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section 
until all applications accepted for filing on or before January 19, 
2021 have been granted or denied by the Administrator. Where an 
application is subject to section 303(i) of the Act (21 U.S.C. 823(i)), 
that section shall apply in lieu of this paragraph (c).
    (d) In determining the legitimate demand for cannabis and its 
derivatives in the United States, the Administrator shall consult with 
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including its 
components.


Sec.  1318.06   Factors affecting prices for the purchase and sale by 
the Administration of cannabis.

    (a) In accordance with section 111(b)(3) of Public Law 102-395 (21 
U.S.C. 886a(1)(C)), seeking to recover the full costs of operating the 
aspects of the diversion control program that are related to issuing 
registrations that comply with the Controlled Substances Act, the 
Administration shall assess an administrative fee. To set the 
administrative fee, the Administration shall annually determine the 
preceding fiscal year's cost of operating the program to cultivate 
cannabis and shall divide the prior fiscal year's cost by the number of 
kgs of cannabis authorized to be manufactured in the current year's 
quota to arrive at the administrative fee per kg. The administrative 
fee per kg shall be added to the sale price of cannabis purchased from 
the Administration. The administrative fee shall be paid to the 
Diversion Control Fee Account.
    (b) As set forth in Sec.  1318.04, the Administration shall have 
the exclusive right of, among other things, wholesale trading in 
cannabis that it purchases from registered manufacturers. The 
Administration will, therefore, buy from such manufacturer, sell 
cannabis to registered researchers and manufacturers, and establish 
prices for such purchase and sale. The Administration will set such 
prices in the following manner:
    (1) Bulk growers of cannabis shall negotiate directly with 
registered researchers and manufacturers authorized to handle cannabis 
to determine a sale price for their cannabis. Upon entering into a 
contract for the provision of bulk cannabis and prior to the exchange 
of cannabis, the parties shall pay to the Administration an 
administrative fee assessed based on the number of kgs to be supplied. 
The administrative fee shall not be recoverable in the event that 
delivery is rejected by the buyer.
    (2) The Administration shall sell the cannabis to the buyer at the 
negotiated sale price plus the administrative fee assessed on a per kg 
basis. Prior to the purchase of the cannabis by the Administration, the 
buyer shall pay the negotiated purchase price and administrative fee to 
the Administration. The Administration shall hold funds equal to the 
purchase price in escrow until the delivery of the cannabis by the 
grower to the Administration. The administrative fee shall not be 
recoverable in the event that delivery is rejected by the buyer.
    (3) After receiving the purchase price and administrative fee from 
the buyer, the Administration shall purchase the cannabis from the 
grower, on behalf of the buyer, at the negotiated sale price. The 
Administration shall retain the administrative fee. In the event the 
buyer fails to pay the purchase price and the administrative fee, the 
Administration shall have no obligation to purchase the crop and may 
order the grower to destroy the crop if the grower cannot find an 
alternative buyer within four months of harvest.
    (4) In instances where the grower of the cannabis is the same 
entity as the buyer of the cannabis, or a related or subsidiary entity, 
the entity may establish a nominal price for the purchase of the 
cannabis. The Administration shall then purchase the entity's cannabis 
at that price and sell the cannabis back to the entity, or a related or 
subsidiary entity, at the same price with the addition of the 
administrative fee.
    (c) Administrative fees set in accordance with this part will be 
made available, on an updated basis, on the Administration's website, 
no later than December 15th of the year preceding the year in which the 
administrative fee will be collected.
    (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services from continuing to fund the acquisition of 
cannabis for use in research by paying, directly or indirectly, the 
purchase cost and administrative fee to the Administration.


Sec.  1318.07   Non-liability of Drug Enforcement Administration.

    The Administration shall have no liability with respect to the 
performance of any contractual terms agreed to by a grower and buyer of 
bulk cannabis, including but not limited to the quality of any cannabis 
delivered to a buyer. In

[[Page 82355]]

the event that a buyer deems the delivered cannabis to be defective, 
the buyer's sole remedy for damages shall be against the grower and not 
the Administration.

Timothy J. Shea,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020-27999 Filed 12-17-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P