A request by a professor of University of Massachusetts-Amherst for growing marijuana for research purposes has been rejected by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Lyle Craker, a horticulture professor, specializing in medicinal plants had sought permission to set up a marijuana lab for medical research. His requisition had been accepted by the federal administrative law judge. But the DEA which is the final authority, rejected the requisition on the plea that a second marijuana lab would not be in the interest of the public.   

A federally approved laboratory at the University of Mississippi School has been the only lab to supply hundreds of varieties of marijuana, since 1968. But since the access to these plants for research purposes is limited, Craker sought permission for setting up a second lab.

Craker had challenged the government monopoly on marijuana research. He elaborated that the marijuana grown by the government lacked the potency required for research. Also the drug was not available in adequate quantity.

Craker had first applied for a permission from the DEA to grow medicinal marijuana in 2001.

The response of the agency has disappointed Craker who said, "We’ve seen a big upsurge in the use of medicinal plants to treat illnesses.”

However, the DEA feels that Craker has failed to prove that the government’s marijuana lab is “inadequate” in providing the drug for research purposes.  

DEA spokesman Garrison Courtney said the agency would not like to comment on the decision.