(720 ILCS 550/15) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 715)
    Sec. 15. The Department shall encourage research on cannabis. In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the purposes of this Act, it may:
        (1) establish methods to assess accurately the effect of cannabis;
        (2) make studies and undertake programs of research to:
            (i) develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment and devices
        
to strengthen the enforcement of this Act;
            (ii) determine patterns of use of cannabis and its social effects; and
            (iii) improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding, and dealing with
        
the use of cannabis;
        (3) enter into contracts with public agencies, educational institutions, and private
    
organizations or individuals for the purpose of conducting research, demonstrations, or special projects which relate to the use of cannabis.
(Source: P.A. 83-969.)