See Frequently Asked Questions about Conducting Research with Cannabis (Marijuana and Hemp).
Cannabis Plant Material
Cannabis products are available in a variety of cannabinoid content specifications (e.g., THC concentrations ranging from ≤0.01% to ~20%, CBD concentrations from ≤0.01% to >10%, as well as chemovars containing various concentrations of other minor cannabinoids). While existing prepared products contain specific cannabinoid concentrations, NIDA may be able to develop bulk cannabis or cannabis cigarettes with other concentrations to meet researcher needs. For information on the availability of cannabis products and their specific content please direct inquiries to the NDSP Mailbox at NDSP@rti.org.
Cannabis cigarettes and bulk plant materials produced under the NIDA Drug Supply Program are available at no cost to qualified investigators for use in research.
Cannabis cigarettes
Cannabis cigarettes containing various concentrations of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are available through the Program, including machine-produced straight cigarettes with and without a ‘crutch’ and cone cigarettes that can be prepared by request using available human use cannabis material chemovars. Please contact the NIDA Drug Supply Program for more information on the types cigarettes available and for assistance identifying which cannabis cigarettes may best suit your research project.
Bulk plant material and cigarettes are prepared following current Good Manufacturing Practices and are for human use. Each batch has a Certificate of Analysis to show that the product meets FDA specifications for plant material designated for human use. Researchers planning to use NIDA cannabis in a clinical trial may request a Letter of Authorization from the Program for inclusion in their IND submissions.
Legend - Low = <1%; Medium = 1-5%; High =5-10%; ND = Not detected, N/A = Not available
Note: %THC contents may vary with time and storage conditions. Therefore researchers should inquire about latest THC strength before submitting their request.
Extracts
The NIDA Drug Supply Program offers extracts of cannabis plant materials. Available extracts are THC-rich or CBD-rich. Extracts are prepared for human use and have Certificates of Analysis that show the product meets FDA requirements. Letters of authorization may be written for researchers to include in IND submissions if they plan to use extracts in a clinical trial. Researchers are responsible for formulation of the extracts.
Purified Cannabinoids
The NIDA Drug Supply Program also has purified cannabinoids on inventory for pre-clinical use (non cGMP). Purified cannabinoids comprise Δ9-THC (provided as a solution in ethanol), Δ8-THC, Δ9-THCA, Δ9-THCV, CBD, CBN, and CBG.