(a) The Administration may register an entity to grow, process, test, and transfer cannabis for the purposes of research and development as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) A registration issued under subsection (a) of this section authorizes the registrant only to:

(1) test chemical potency and composition levels;

(2) conduct clinical investigations of cannabis-derived medicinal products;

(3) conduct research on the efficacy and safety of administering cannabis as part of medical treatment;

(4) conduct genomic, horticultural, or agricultural research; and

(5) conduct research on cannabis-affiliated products or systems.

(c) To obtain a research and development registration, an applicant shall submit to the Administration:

(1) an application fee in an amount to be determined by the
Administration; and

(2) an application developed by the Administration.

(d) An applicant for a research and development registration must meet the registration standards and requirements established by the Administration.

(e) (1) A research and development registration is valid for an initial term of 2 years.

(2) A research and development registration is valid for 2 years on renewal.

(f) A research and development registrant may transfer, by sale or donation, cannabis grown within its operation only to other research and development registrants.

(g) A research and development registrant may contract to perform research in conjunction with a public higher education research institution or another research and development registrant.