Randy's Resolution

[Congressional Bills 118th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. Con. Res. 27 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. CON. RES. 27

Recognizing the need for research, education, and policy development regarding high-potency marijuana.

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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 1, 2024

Mr. Ricketts submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the need for research, education, and policy development regarding high-potency marijuana.

Whereas the use of high-potency marijuana has become increasingly prevalent across the United States; Whereas the average potency of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as "THC"), the major psychoactive component in marijuana, increased by 287 percent between 1995 and 2021, from 3.96 percent potency to 15.34 percent potency; Whereas adolescent and teen marijuana abuse increased by 245 percent from 2000 to 2020; Whereas the perceived risk of weekly marijuana use decreased from 47.5 percent to 27.4 percent among adolescents in the past decade; Whereas cannabis use disorder among teens increased by 25 percent after the enactment of recreational marijuana legalization; Whereas increased potency levels correspond with greater health risks, with research showing that daily use of THC with a potency greater than 15 percent results in a 5 times increased risk of psychosis; Whereas only 3 States have enacted potency caps on marijuana flower or concentrates; Whereas the use of high-potency marijuana has been linked to potential adverse health effects, including mental health disorders and cognitive impairment; Whereas education and awareness programs are essential to inform the public about the potential risks associated with the use of high-potency marijuana; and Whereas a bipartisan effort is necessary to develop evidence-based policies to address the increasing prevalence of high-potency marijuana: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),

This concurrent resolution may be cited as the "Randy's Resolution".

DEVELOPMENT REGARDING HIGH-POTENCY MARIJUANA.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, should conduct and support research on the health effects of high-potency marijuana and its impact on vulnerable populations such as youth. (b) Resolving Matters.--Congress-- (1) supports the development of educational programs at the Federal, State, and local levels to inform the public about the potential risks associated with the use of high-potency marijuana, especially among youth; and (2) urges Federal, State, and local governments to collaborate with public health organizations, medical professionals, and community stakeholders to develop evidence- based policies that address the public health and safety concerns associated with high-potency marijuana.