Research involving controlled substances at UC Santa Barbara is subject to strict federal and state regulations, as well as University of California policies. While many controlled substances are managed through standard campus safety protocols, research involving cannabis, or funding from the cannabis industry, is subject to unique University requirements that extend beyond standard EH&S procedures.
General Compliance and Procedures
The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Controlled Substance program is the primary office responsible for campus compliance regarding the procurement, storage, use, and disposal of controlled substances.
- Primary Oversight: All PIs and laboratory personnel intending to use controlled substances (Schedules II-V) must coordinate directly with EH&S to ensure proper DEA registration and campus authorization.
- Registration and Training: Detailed guidance on the application process, required personnel screening, and mandatory training modules can be found on the EH&S Controlled Substances website.
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
Because cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under federal law, it is subject to specific University of California Office of the President (UCOP) mandates. 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. These requirements apply to any research involving the possession, use, or cultivation of cannabis, as well as projects funded by the cannabis industry. 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.
Mandatory Consultation: Before submitting any grant proposals or initiating projects related to cannabis or hemp, researchers must contact the Office of Research. Our staff will assist you in navigating:
- UC Compliance: Ensuring the project aligns with the most recent UCOP Guidance Memos regarding marijuana and industrial hemp research.
- Industry Funding: Reviewing potential funding sources to ensure they meet UC's restrictive criteria for cannabis-industry partnerships.
- Inter-departmental Coordination: Aligning your Office of Research proposal with EH&S safety protocols and DEA Schedule I licensing requirements.
Prior to proposing or accepting Cannabis research funding, please reach out to Research Integrity (researchintegrity@research.ucsb.edu) for guidance.