EDUCATE Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill creates a new grant program to help minority-serving colleges study how to grow and process marijuana. The government would provide 5 million dollars each year through 2030 to schools like Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-serving institutions to lead this research.
• Researchers will look for the best ways to plant and harvest marijuana while protecting the environment. They will study how to save water, keep soil healthy, and manage pests. The goal is to find sustainable ways to farm this crop as the industry grows.
• A major part of the plan is helping minority and disadvantaged farmers get involved in the marijuana business. The research will explore new economic opportunities to make sure these farmers can compete and succeed in emerging markets.
• The bill also sets up a scholarship program for students who want to work in marijuana or hemp farming. Eligible students could receive up to 10,000 dollars per year to help pay for their education in agricultural science or policy.
• To protect students and teachers, the bill includes a safe harbor rule. This means they cannot be prosecuted by the federal government or lose their federal benefits for handling marijuana as long as they follow the research rules and registration laws.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.