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House Urges Federal Rescheduling of Marijuana to Encourage Medical Research
Summary
A concurrent resolution urging the federal government to reclassify marijuana to Schedule II passed the Utah House after members across the chamber argued the change would facilitate medical research; proponents stressed research benefits and opponents framed it as a federal responsibility.
On March 2 the Utah House approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, urging the federal government to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II to allow broader medical research and regulatory options.
Representative Dau (sponsor) told the chamber that the resolution seeks to spur research into the medical properties of cannabis compounds such as cannabidiol, which he said has seen promising results overseas. Multiple members spoke in support, including Representative Paulson (who described visiting Colorado grow and distribution sites), Representative Kristofferson (supporting research and medical access under a Schedule II framework), Representative Ray and others. Representative Lifferth and some presenters framed the issue as a federal failure to act, while Representative Brian King emphasized the need for data to inform state policy.
Supporters repeatedly described the resolution as a vehicle to encourage federal action that would ease research barriers; Representative Dau emphasized that the resolution does not itself change state criminal or regulatory law but urges rescheduling at the federal level. The House recorded 66 yea votes and 0 nays; the resolution will be signed by the Speaker pro tem and returned to the Senate for signature by the president.
Next steps: Because the measure is a concurrent resolution urging federal action, it carries no state‑level regulatory effect; supporters said it would help free researchers and institutions to pursue medical studies.
