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.