More than two decades into the United States’ medical cannabis experiment, federal policymakers are set to authorize robust research of the plant for the first time.

State governments began legalizing marijuana for medical use in the late 1990s, and Iowa joined the movement with a limited program in 2017. But the substance still is under strict federal prohibition. The industry and the scientific community have been operating in a legal gray area, which hampers research and patient care.

Progress is within reach. The U.S. Senate this week unanimously approved a bipartisan bill to bolster cannabis research.

Sen. Chuck Grassley is a lead sponsor of the bill, and Sen. Joni Ernst is a co-sponsor. They’re joined by six Democrats and one other Republican in sponsoring the bill. A similar bill has already been approved by the U.S. House, offering a real shot at meaningful reform in the near future.

Read more at The Gazette.