The research may continue while the application is pending
What the document says“``(2) the person may, notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), continue to conduct the research on the substance until-- ``(A) the person withdraws the application described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; or ``(B) the Attorney General serves on the person an order to show cause proposing the denial of the application under section 304(c);”
While the application is pending the person may keep conducting the research, whatever subsections (a) and (b) of section 302 require, until they withdraw the application or the Attorney General serves an order to show cause proposing to deny it under section 304(c) of the Controlled Substances Act.
What the document actually says“``(2) the person may, notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), continue to conduct the research on the substance until-- ``(A) the person withdraws the application described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; or ``(B) the Attorney General serves on the person an order to show cause proposing the denial of the application under section 304(c);”
The work does not have to stop while the papers are read. It goes on until the researcher drops the request. It also stops if the Attorney General moves to say no.
An order to show cause is a notice. It says the request may be turned down. It gives the researcher a chance to answer.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.