The Administration may register an entity to grow, process, test, and transfer cannabis for the purposes of research and development as provided in subsection (b) of this section. A registration issued under subsection (a) of this section authorizes the registrant only to: test chemical potency and composition levels; conduct clinical investigations of cannabis–derived medicinal products; conduct research on the efficacy and safety of administering cannabis as part of medical treatment; conduct genomic, horticultural, or agricultural research; and conduct research on cannabis–affiliated products or systems. To obtain a research and development registration, an applicant shall submit to the Administration: an application fee in an amount to be determined by the Administration; and an application developed by the Administration. An applicant for a research and development registration must meet the registration standards and requirements established by the Administration. A research and development registration is valid for an initial term of 2 years. A research and development registration is valid for 2 years on renewal. A research and development registrant may transfer, by sale or donation, cannabis grown within its operation only to other research and development registrants. A research and development registrant may contract to perform research in conjunction with a public higher education research institution or another research and development registrant.