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 | |||
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Pioneer in Medicinal Cannabis Research Award | Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem | ||
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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
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Discussion/Future Directions |
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The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabinoids |
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Transdermal cannabidiol in animal model of arthritis | Karin Westlund-High, PhD, University of New Mexico | ||
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The immunomodulary effect of cannabis use in HIV | Jennifer Manuzak, PhD, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine | ||
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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 | |||
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Cannabidiol in reducing nicotine dependence | Olivier George, PhD, UC San Diego | ||
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The Potential Opioid Sparing Effects of Cannabinoids |
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The endocannabinoid system and pain | Aron Lichtman, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University | ||
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Human lab experiments of cannabinoids and pain | Ziva Cooper, PhD, UCLA | ||
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Does cannabis moderate opioid use in chronic pain? | Michelle Sexton, ND, UC San Diego | ||
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Safeguarding, Educating, and Learning from Cannabis use in the Public Sphere |
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Recent findings on the effects of medicinal and recreational cannabis laws on youth consumption | Denise Walker, PhD, University of Washington | ||
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Impact and detection of cannabis impaired driving | Thomas Marcotte, PhD, UC San Diego | ||
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What are the promises and limitations of various cannabinoid testing platforms | Robert Fitzgerald, PhD, UC San Diego | ||
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Discussion/Future Directions | |||
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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 |
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| Introduction | Igor Grant, MD, CMCR Director, UC San Diego | |||
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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 |
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Update from HHS: Supply and Regulatory Issues | Steve Gust, PhD, NIDA | ||
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Legislative initiatives to facilitate medicinal cannabinoid research | Trelaine Ito, MS, Office of US Senator Brian Schatz | ||
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Perspectives and opportunities from industry and philanthropy | Discussants | ||
| Panel Discussion |
Alice Mead, JD, Greenwich Biosciences |
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| 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 | |||