The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) hosted a one-day symposium on October 18, 2019 celebrating the pioneers and exploring the progress, promise, and challenges of medicinal cannabis research.

During the symposium, two pioneers in medicinal cannabinoid research were honored:

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.

		Introduction/Overview	Igor Grant, MD, CMCR Director, UC San Diego
		Pioneer in Medicinal Cannabis Research Award	Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
		Advancing Cannabis and Cannabinoids as Therapeutics Award Presentation on Cannabinoid Therapeutics: Harnessing the medicinal properties of cannabis: from plant to medicine	Geoffrey Guy, MBBS, GW Pharmaceuticals
		Discussion/Future Directions
The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabinoids
		Transdermal cannabidiol in animal model of arthritis	Karin Westlund-High, PhD, University of New Mexico
		The immunomodulary effect of cannabis use in HIV	Jennifer Manuzak, PhD, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
		Discussion/Future Directions
The Promise of Cannabidiol
		Cannabidiol and receptor physiology	Fabricio Moreira, PhD, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
		Cannabidiol ameliorates the memory-impairing effects of THC in non-human primates	Michael Taffe, PhD, UC San Diego
		Cannabidiol in reducing nicotine dependence	Olivier George, PhD, UC San Diego
		Discussion/Future Directions
The Potential Opioid Sparing Effects of Cannabinoids
		The endocannabinoid system and pain	Aron Lichtman, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University
		Human lab experiments of cannabinoids and pain	Ziva Cooper, PhD, UCLA
		Does cannabis moderate opioid use in chronic pain?	Michelle Sexton, ND, UC San Diego
		Discussion/Future Directions
Safeguarding, Educating, and Learning from Cannabis use in the Public Sphere
		Recent findings on the effects of medicinal and recreational cannabis laws on youth consumption	Denise Walker, PhD, University of Washington
		Impact and detection of cannabis impaired driving	Thomas Marcotte, PhD, UC San Diego
		What are the promises and limitations of various cannabinoid testing platforms	Robert Fitzgerald, PhD, UC San Diego
		Discussion/Future Directions
		State of California Approach	Discussants
		Panel Discussion	Lori Ajax, Chief, California Bureau of Cannabis Control
			Tom Lackey, California Assemblyman District 36
Achieving Priorities in Medicinal Cannabis Research
		Introduction	Igor Grant, MD, CMCR Director, UC San Diego
		Public-private partnerships to advance cannabis and cannabinoid based medicines	Gail Taylor, BSc, PhD, FSB, UC Davis and University of Southampton
Legislative and Regulatory Issues
		Update from HHS: Supply and Regulatory Issues	Steve Gust, PhD, NIDA
		Legislative initiatives to facilitate medicinal cannabinoid research	Trelaine Ito, MS, Office of US Senator Brian Schatz
		Perspectives and opportunities from industry and philanthropy	Discussants
		Panel Discussion	Alice Mead, JD, Greenwich Biosciences
			Pelin Thorogood, MBA, Wholistic Research and Education Foundation
			George Hodgin, Biopharmaceutical Research Company
			Hunter Land, MS, Canopy Growth
			Dennis Kim, MD, MBA, Emerald Bioscience
Closing Remarks			Igor Grant, MD, CMCR Director, UC San Diego