The 2026 CMCR Symposium is a two-day, virtual scientific conference that will take place on Thursday and Friday, October 1-2, 2026 from 8AM-12Noon Pacific Time. Many athletes believe that cannabis and cannabinoids help them train, treat their pain, or otherwise improve their game, but what does the science say? This year’s symposium will highlight the latest scientific studies of the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on exercise, athletic performance, and recovery.
Virtual Event
October 1-2, 2026
8:00AM-12:00PM Pacific Time
Register by clicking HERE
Agenda at a Glance
Day 1: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Welcome from the CMCR Director, Igor Grant, MD
2026 CMCR Symposium Awards (8:10 - 9:30 AM)
Keynote address on Cannabis and Sport (9:30 - 10:00 AM)
Players' Perspectives: A moderated discussion with Elite Athletes (10:00 - 10:55 AM)
Session on Cannabis use among Elite Athletes (11:00 - 11:55 AM)
Poster Session (12:00 - 1:00 PM)
Day 2: Friday, October 2, 2026
Session on Translational Studies of Cannabis and Sport (8:00 - 8:55 AM)
Session on Clinical Studies of Cannabis and Sport (9:00 - 9:55 AM)
CMCR Special Lectures (10:00 - 11:00 AM)
Federal panel: A moderated panel discussion and Q&A (11:00 - 11:55 AM)
Closing Remarks from the CMCR Director, Igor Grant, MD (11:55 AM - 12:00 PM)
View the detailed agenda HERE
Speakers
Igor Grant, MD, FRCP(C) Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, UC San Diego
David J. Grelotti, MD Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Medical Director, Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, UC San Diego
Thomas Marcotte, PhD Professor of Psychiatry, Co-Director, Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, UC San Diego
JH Atkinson, MD Professor of Psychiatry (Emeritus), Co-Director, Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, UC San Diego
Steve Gust, PhD Advisor to the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research
Speaker bios - Coming soon
Supporters
Supporters of the 2026 CMCR Symposium - coming soon
Posters
A virtual oral poster session highlighting emerging findings in medicinal cannabis research will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 12:00-1:00PM Pacific Time. We welcome the submission of any abstract broadly related to research of cannabis, cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and/or health. Indicate your interest in submitting a poster during registration.
Deadline for Abstract Submission – Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time
Notification of Abstract Acceptance – Tuesday, September 1, 2026
If Accepted, Deadline for Submission of the Pre-recorded Lecture – Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:59PM Pacific Time
Poster Session – Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 12:00PM-1:00PM Pacific Time
Each person selected to present a poster will be assigned to a breakout room. Each presenter will pre-record a 5-minute Powerpoint-style lecture that will be played in your breakout room followed by a 5-minute live discussion moderated by faculty moderators.
CME credits available for last year's symposium
Attention clinicians:
CME credits for CMCR's 2025 Symposium are still available. Click here to view the 2025 activity and claim credit.
Contact
Please direct questions to