CMCR 2019 Symposium

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

LINK to CMCR Symposia Series