Event Date
The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) is hosting a one-day symposium celebrating the pioneers and exploring the progress, promise, and challenges of medicinal cannabis research.
During the symposium we will be honoring two pioneers in medicinal cannabinoid research:
Raphael Mechoulam, PhD (Hebrew University) - Dr. Mechoulam has made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of cannabinoid chemistry since the 1960s. He coined the term “cannabinoid”. In 1964, Dr. Mechoulam’s laboratory first identified and synthesized delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Since then, his team has gone on to identify the structure of most of the cannabinoids and their metabolites and to discover the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG). An author of more than 300 publications, Dr. Mechoulam holds over 20 patents. Known for his scientific vision and warmth, we are pleased to honor his achievements and outstanding contribution to the field of medicinal cannabis with the Pioneer in Medicinal Cannabis Award.
Geoffrey Guy, MBBS (GW Pharmaceuticals) - Dr. Guy founded GW Pharmaceuticals and has served as its Chairman since 1998. Dr. Guy created Epidiolex, the first formulation of cannabidiol to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, and Sativex. He continues to lead innovation and new product discovery for cannabinoid-based medicine. He has been the physician in charge of over 300 clinical studies including pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and dose-ranging studies, controlled clinical trials, and large scale multi-centered studies and clinical surveys. An innovator in medical research and global drug development for his entire career, the CMCR is pleased to honor his achievements and outstanding contribution to the field of medicinal cannabis with the CMCR Award for Advancing Cannabis and Cannabinoids as Therapeutics.
In addition, conference sessions will include talks addressing:
Progress in Basic Science, Translational and Clinical Research
- The molecular and cellular anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids, findings from transdermal cannabidiol applications in animal models of arthritis, and the immunomodulatory effect of cannabis in HIV
- Cannabidiol receptor physiology, CBD for the reduction of nicotine dependence
- The endocannabinoid system and pain, including human laboratory experiments and the impact on opioid use
Pragmatics and Possibilities in Medicinal Cannabis Research
- The impact of medicinal and recreational legalization on youth consumption, the effects and detection of cannabis-impaired driving, promises and limitations of cannabinoid testing platforms
- The State of California approach to legalization and its downstream effects
- Regulatory barriers to research and a proposed path forward, perspectives from Federal agencies, national legislators, and industry
In additional to individual presentations, there will be a number of panel discussions, including extensive interaction with attendees.
Presenters will include:
Dominic Chiapperino (Center of Drug Evaluation and Research, US FDA), Ziva Cooper (UC Los Angeles), Robert Fitzgerald (UC San Diego), Olivier George (UC San Diego), Igor Grant (UC San Diego), Steven Gust (National Institute on Drug Abuse), Aron Lichtman (Virginia Commonwealth University), Jennifer Manuzak (University of Miami), Tom Marcotte (UC San Diego), Alice Mead (Greenwich Biosciences), Fabricio Moreira (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil), Daniele Piomelli (UC Irvine), Michelle Sexton (UC San Diego), Michael Taffe (UC San Diego)Mark Wallace (UC San Diego), Karin Westlund-High (University of New Mexico)
Additional speakers and full agenda will be announced soon.
Breakfast at 7:30 am, lunch included