For detailed information on how to comply with state, federal and University rules relating to controlled substances research, please visit the UCSB Environmental Health & Safety, Controlled Substances webpage.

Additional Resources

UCSB Controlled Substances Research FAQ

UCSB Policy and Procedure for Controlled Substances

 

Cannabis Research

Cannabis research is any research activity involving the growth, production, procurement, possession, distribution, administering, or use of marijuana. It does not refer to observational research or other research (e.g., policy research) for which a researcher does not grow, produce, procure, possess, distribute, or administer marijuana.

Cannabis is a DEA Schedule I controlled substance.  Therefore, despite the state of California's legalization of recreational use of marijuana, any research involving possession, use, distribution or cultivation of marijuana that is conducted in the United States under the auspices of the University of California (regardless of whether or not the research is conducted on a UC campus or UC property) must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. This means that research involving cannabis (i.e., all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L.) must be conducted in compliance with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regulations and the California Health and Safety Code.

For more information on complying with federal and state laws relating to cannabis research, click here. Prior to proposing or accepting Cannabis research funding, please reach out to Research Integrity (researchintegrity@research.ucsb.edu) for guidance.

Additional Resources

Updated Information for Researchers on Conducting Marijuana Research at the University of California

UCSB Policy and Procedure for Controlled Substances