EDUCATE Act of 2026

This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to establish a new program for marijuana agricultural research and education. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to 1890 Institutions , Hispanic-serving institutions, and other eligible institutions to conduct research on the cultivation and processing of marijuana. This research may cover topics such as optimizing cultivation practices, examining sustainability impacts, evaluating economic development opportunities for minority and disadvantaged farmers, and workforce development. The legislation prioritizes institutions partnering with minority and small-scale farmers and ensures equitable distribution of funds, authorizing $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with a reservation of at least 25 percent for Hispanic-serving institutions. Additionally, the bill creates a Marijuana Agriculture Studies Scholarship Program , offering up to $10,000 per student per academic year for individuals pursuing careers in marijuana or hemp agriculture and related sciences, authorized at $100,000 annually for the same fiscal years. A crucial provision of the bill is the establishment of a safe harbor , protecting institutions, faculty, researchers, and students from the denial of federal benefits, criminal prosecution, or civil penalties for conducting marijuana research or activities authorized by the Act, provided they comply with applicable federal laws and Controlled Substances Act registration requirements. The Secretary is also mandated to submit annual reports detailing grant awards, research outcomes, and scholarship program participation.