Cannabis

The legal and regulatory landscape for marijuana and industrial hemp research remains complex and continues to evolve at both the state and federal levels. California law decriminalized the sale, possession, distribution, and cultivation of marijuana under specified conditions. At the federal level, marijuana has historically been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act; however, recent federal actions indicate potential changes to this classification and to the broader regulatory framework governing cannabis-related research and activities.

Recent Federal and Regulatory Developments:

  • Executive Order on Marijuana Rescheduling: In December 2025, the President issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Justice to complete the administrative process of reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This change is intended to facilitate expanded medical research, though marijuana would remain federally controlled and not fully legalized under federal law.
  • Federal Hemp Definition Change: In November 2025, as part of the FY 2026 appropriations act (H.R. 5371), Congress amended the federal definition and regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived products. These amendments revise the definition of “hemp,” tighten restrictions on allowable levels of total THC and related cannabinoids, and effectively subject many hemp-derived intoxicating products to federal controlled-substance rules.

The guidance documents listed below summarize applicable laws, regulations, and UC policies related to marijuana and industrial hemp research. As federal and regulatory actions continue to evolve, we will evaluate the impact of any recent developments and update them as needed.

Until updated guidance is issued, the guidance documents below continue to reflect the applicable rules and policies governing cannabis research and remain the current resource for our UC community.

Contact: Agnes Balla at Agnes.Balla@ucop.edu or (510) 987-9987, and Hilda Vasquez at Hilda.Vasquez@ucop.edu or (510) 987-0632.

RPAC Memo 19-02 PDF

March 19, 2019

This Memo provides information on the risks of accepting funding from the marijuana industry, and proposes a pilot program when considering accepting funding from the marijuana industry.

RPAC Memo 18-01 PDF

July 24, 2018

This memo provides information for researchers and research administrators regarding legal and policy issues related to marijuana research conducted at UC.

RPAC Memo 17-01 PDF

January 27, 2017

Information for UC researchers and research administrators regarding the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Proposition 64, which became law on January 1, 2017, and this new law’s effect on marijuana research conducted at UC.

Industrial Hemp

Guidance to assist campus researchers and administrators in understanding the requirements for conducting research with hemp and hemp derivatives, and for cultivating industrial hemp for research purposes.

Regulatory and Statutory Background | Frequently Asked Questions