The director of a long-standing program monitoring the potency of cannabis seized by law enforcement is exploring ways to continue his work despite the recent cancellation of a federal contract by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This contract, which has supported the University of Mississippi’s analysis of cannabis potency since the early 1970s, was terminated earlier this month, raising concerns about the future of THC level tracking in the U.S. cannabis supply.
Mahmoud ElSohly, who has led the Marijuana Research Project at the University of Mississippi since 1981, reported that the cancellation limits new sample testing but allows for the completion of existing analyses. ElSohly expressed hope that sample submissions to his lab can persist, despite the funding cut. “If I don’t get the samples, and the DEA labs or law enforcement dispose of those samples, then this is information that’s lost forever,” he stated.
The potency monitoring program has historically analyzed samples from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other law enforcement agencies, documenting a significant rise in THC levels over the decades. For example, average THC content in cannabis samples increased from 3.96% in 1995 to 16.14% in 2022. This data has been referenced by various officials to illustrate trends in cannabis potency and its potential health implications.
In 2022, the program faced a similar funding interruption but managed to continue operations as officials recognized its importance. ElSohly noted that DOGE has previously reversed funding cuts for other programs, which raises the possibility that this contract could be reinstated as well.
ElSohly reached out to the contracting officer to argue that discontinuing the program would have negative consequences for the government. He proposed that he could continue receiving samples without additional costs until funding for testing resumes. As of now, approximately $30,155 of the total $142,839 allocated for this contract has been spent.
Critics of the program, including Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, argue that the data provided has frequently served political agendas rather than scientific inquiry. He noted that earlier samples included low-potency marijuana, which skewed results, and budget reductions in recent years have compromised the program’s ability to provide accurate national potency assessments. Furthermore, advancements in state-specific cannabis testing have diminished the need for this federal program.
The cancellation of the potency monitoring contract follows another recent cut by DOGE, which ended funding for a study on cannabis use risks among LGBTQ+ individuals. This trend of reducing funding for cannabis research has raised alarms among advocates who hoped for a more supportive approach from the current administration.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking contractors to analyze and communicate scientific evidence on medical cannabis as part of its STEM project. This initiative contrasts with DOGE’s cuts and highlights ongoing interest in cannabis research within certain government sectors.
ElSohly’s work remains pivotal in assessing the evolving cannabis landscape. He emphasized that monitoring illicit cannabis potency is essential, particularly as legal market regulations change. The future of his program, however, hinges on government decisions regarding funding and resource allocation.
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