About the CMCR

CMCR Director Dr. Igor Grant speaks about the priorities and activities of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.
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CMCR studies

Current studies examine the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on a range of psychiatric, developmental and pain conditions, as well as the impact of use on public safety (e.g., driving). A list of current and past studies can be found here.

Currently Accepting New Applications

CMCR is now accepting applications for the 2024 Grants Program. Letters of intent are due by 3/1/24 and applications are due 4/26/24.
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Marijuana messes with your driving for longer than you think

February 5, 2024 Sumathi Reddy of The Wall Street Journal spoke with Dr. Tom Marcotte about his...

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CMCR Building

2024 CMCR Grants Program

CMCR Grants Program - 2024 - Request for Applications The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research...

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CMCR Grants Program awards new research grants in 2023

As part of Proposition 64 funding to the CMCR, the Center is pleased to announce three new studies...

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Marijuana testing for Minnestoa drivers

Dr. Tom Marcotte was interviewed by Fox9 KMSP news station in Minnesota regarding a pilot program...

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2023 CMCR Symposium Videos

Exploring the Entourage: The Therapeutic Potential of Minor Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and...

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'Driving high is a DWI' but enforcement can be difficult. Just ask Colorado.

November 1, 2023, Eric Rasmussen of KSTP-TV in Minneapolis referred to CMCR's recent JAMA...

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Federal health agency recommends easing marijuana restrictions

David Ovalle and Laurie McGinley, Washington Post, August 30, 2023. Dr. Igor Grant spoke to the...

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Evaluation of FSTs for identifying drivers under the influence of cannabis

Dr. Tom Marcotte and colleagues recently published their findings in JAMA Psychiatry of a...

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DMV, CHP & CMCR begin novel, on-road study to examine cannabis-impaired driving

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is collaborating with the California Highway...

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Driving under the influence of cannabis: Impact of combining toxicology testing with field sobriety tests

Drs. Robert Fitzgerald and Thomas Marcotte recently published an article in Clinical Chemistry on...

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Cannabis Research Resources

  University of California cannabis research centers: UC San Diego, Center for Medicinal...

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Challenges to Conducting Medical Cannabis Research - Dr. Igor Grant - April 2023

The UC Office of the President, in partnership with the Department of Cannabis Control, held a...

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Cannabis legislation signed into US law

In December 2022, the bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act...

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Raphael Mechoulam, towering figure in cannabis research has passed

CMCR mourns the passing on March 9, 2023 of Professor Raphael Mechoulam, commonly regarded as...

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Dr. Igor Grant presents to California State Senate

On March 13, 2023, Dr. Igor Grant presented to the California State Senate Committee on Business,...

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Experts reflect on what new law might mean for cannabis research

Nick Zagorski, Psych News, March 9, 2023. Drs. Igor Grant and Ziva Cooper comment on how the...

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CME credits for 2022 CMCR Symposium

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research is pleased to offer continuing medical education (CME)...

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CMCR Building

2023 CMCR Grants Program

CMCR Grants Program - 2023 - Request for Applications The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research...

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New U.S. law promises to light up marijuana research

Meredith Wadman, Science, December 2, 2022  The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research...

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Dr. Thomas Arkell presentation to CMCR investigators

Dr. Thomas Arkell, a research fellow at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia...

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Press conference on new Federal cannabis research legislation

On August 31, 2022 CMCR hosted a press conference organized by Representative Scott Peters of...

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Congressional bill would free up researchers to study modern cannabis products

Thomas Fudge, KPBS, September 30, 2022  KPBS interviewed Dr. Igor Grant on the potential impacts...

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The impact of cannabis on public health

July 21, 2022, Health Professional Radio interviewed Dr. Thomas Marcotte about cannabis and...

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CMCR Grants Program awards new research grants in 2022

As part of Proposition 64 funding to the CMCR, the Center is pleased to announce three new studies...

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Research: After smoking cannabis, people may have false sense of driving safety

Kristi King, WTOP News, July 7, 2022  WTOP interviewed Dr. Thomas Marcotte about cannabis users'...

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Delta-8 THC panel discussion hosted by CMCR's Kyle Boyar

CMCR's Kyle Boyar hosted a panel discussion on Delta-8 THC at a meeting of CANN's Journal Club....

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Why doesn't a test to check for marijuana impairment exist?

Tyler Adkisson, Newsy, May 16, 2022 Dr. Thomas Marcotte comments on CMCR's research on cannabis...

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CNN features CMCR Autism study

CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta interviewed Dr. Doris Trauner, lead researcher of...

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2022 Symposium Agenda

Medicinal Cannabis and Cannabinoid-Based Medicine: Progress, Policy, and Partnership   PDF of...

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2023 Symposium Agenda

Exploring the Entourage: The Therapeutic Potential of Minor Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and...

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Cannabis & Driving: NavNeuro podcast interview with Dr. Tom Marcotte - February 2022

Dr. Tom Marcotte discusses acute effects of cannabis use (THC) on driving performance on the...

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CMCR Building

CMCR Grants Program - 2022

CMCR Grants Program - 2022 - Request for Applications The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research...

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CMCR chosen by NFL to study effects of cannabis in sports related injuries in elite athletes

The NFL has awarded CMCR researchers funding to conduct a randomized, double-blind clinical...

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Large CMCR study published in JAMA Psychiatry provides insights into performance and safety perception issues regarding cannabis and driving

In the largest study of its kind - 191 regular cannabis users who smoked as they “would at home to...

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Cannabis & Driving webinar with Dr. Tom Marcotte - April 2022

Dr. Thomas Marcotte, CMCR Co-Director participated in a panel discussion of recent research...

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People high on pot used a driving simulator. Here's what happened

Dennis Thompson, US News & World Report, February 1, 2022  Thomas Marcotte, PhD discusses...

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Cannabis & Driving: JAMA Psychiatry podcast - Dr. Tom Marcotte - January 2022

JAMA Psychiatry interviewed Dr. Tom Marcotte and Dr. Rob Fitzgerald on CMCR's randomized trial...

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KPBS discusses Delta-8 THC with CMCR's Kyle Boyar

KPBS spoke with CMCR's Kyle Boyar and other experts about Delta-8 THC. Watch the news story below...

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CMCR Symposia Series

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) Symposia Series seeks to provide timely...

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CMCR study on autism research featured in LA Times

The Los Angeles (LA) Times reports on the 25th anniversary of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996,...

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CMCR Research featured on PBS Nova

  CMCR research was featured on PBS NOVA on September 29, 2021. As part of this update to the...

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CMCR Grants Program awards new research grants in 2021

As part of Proposition 64 funding to the CMCR, the Center is pleased to announce three new studies...

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Dr. Igor Grant presentation at Univ of Cincinnati Grand Rounds - Sept 2021

Dr. Igor Grant presented at University of Cincinnati's Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Grand...

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The effect of inhaled cannabis on intraocular pressure in healthy adult subjects

Findings show that cannabis lowers intraocular pressure significantly in adult healthy subjects

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UCSD team sets out to study the effects of cannabis component CBD on severe austism in children

Elisabeth Frausto, La Jolla Light, June 25, 2021 Dr. Doris Trauner is leading a CMCR clinical...

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Daily cannabis use is associated with lower CNS inflammation in people with HIV

Findings show that daily cannabis use was associated with lower inflammation in the central...

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Angela Ann Price Estate gives $100K to CMCR

The estate of Angela Ann Price has given CMCR a $100,000 gift to support medicinal cannabis...

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Sha'Carri Richardson Olympic ban: Why is marijuana still prohibited?

David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, July 2, 2021 CMCR investigators Drs. Mark Wallace and Donald...

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After 50 years, US opens the door to more cannabis crops for scientists

Will Stone, KPBS, May 30, 2021 The DEA recently announced it will be issuing licenses to several...

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UC San Diego study looks at marijuana use against migraines

Jared Aarons, ABC 10 News San Diego, June 3, 2021 A study looking at cannabis as a potential...

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New High for Migraine Treatment? Trial Looks at Effectiveness of THC, CBD

Michelle Brubaker, UC San Diego Health Newsroom, May 19, 2021 Dr. Nathaniel Schuster is...

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Translational studies of cannabis administration, cognition, and the endocannabinoid system in HIV

PI: Arpi Minassian, PhD This study will utilize a cross-species approach to delineate the effects...

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Cannabidiol reduces withdrawal symptoms in nicotine-dependent rats

Findings suggest CBD may be used as a strategy to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms upon nicotine...

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BCC funds cannabis research projects from UC San Diego investigators

In November 2020, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) announced the recipients for its...

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Dr. Igor Grant presentation at Penn State Grand Rounds - January 2021

Dr. Igor Grant presented at Penn State College of Medicine's Psychiatry and Behavioral Health...

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Efficacy of inhaled cannabis versus placebo for the acute treatment of migraine

PI: Nathaniel Schuster, MD This is a clinical study to determine the effect of THC and CBD on...

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Engaging the endocannabinoid system with cannabidiol to reduce anxiety reactivity

PI: Charles Taylor, PhD This is a clinical study to determine the effect of CBD on anxiety...

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Cannabis for Pain? An Expert's Guidance

John Watson, Medscape, January 5, 2021 Dr. Mark Wallace spoke to Medscape about cannabis...

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Report: California needs to better track and test drugged drivers

Brooke Staggs, Orange County Register, March 19, 2021 The California Highway Patrol recently...

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Postdoctoral Scholar in Cannabinoid Science

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) and UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry...

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Rep. Scott Peters remarks in support of the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019

Citing the work of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Representative Scott Peters made...

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Effects of CBD on blood pressure and substrate metabolism during metabolic syndrome

PI: Rudy Ortiz, PhD This is a pre-clinical study regarding the effects of CBD on blood pressure...

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Cannabis, inflammation, and the brain in persons with HIV

PI: Jennifer Iudicello, PhD This study will examine the effects of chronic cannabis use and the...

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Cannabis effects on antiretroviral therapy pharmacokinetics and neurotoxicity

PI: Scott Letendre, MD This is a clinical study looking at the intersection of cannabis, HIV, and...

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The role of cannabidiol in anandamide-related improvement in alexithymia and health outcomes

PI: Erin Morgan, PhD This study will examine whether CBD will reduce alexithymia and inflammation...

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Therapeutic Efficacy of Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Prescription Opioid Abuse and Addiction

PI: Michael Taffe, PhD This study will examine the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on the...

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The Effects of THC on Glucose Metabolism and Endothelial Function in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

PI: Jeremy Pettus, MD This study will seek to determine the effects of THC use on glucose...

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Impact of Cannabis Exposure on Gut Barrier Function in Health and Disease

PI: Nicholas DiPatrizio, PhD This study will examine the impact of cannabis exposure on gut...

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Cannabis & Neuropsychology: NavNeuro podcast interview with Dr. Igor Grant - August 2020

Dr. Igor Grant discusses cognitive effects of cannabis use and current cannabis research on the...

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Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: Fact vs Fiction - Center for BrainHealth - February 2020

Dr. Igor Grant presented at the University of Texas at Dallas's Center for BrainHealth lecture...

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Current Clinical Trial Assessing Potential of CBD in Treatment of Autism

Scott LaFee, UC San Diego Health Newsroom, July 14, 2020 Researchers at UC San Diego's Center for...

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The use of cannabis for headache disorders

This review considers historical prescription practices, summarizes the existing reports on the...

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A cost-effectiveness model for adjunctive smoked cannabis in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain

Study results show that cannabis appears cost-effective when augmenting second-line treatment for...

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Regulatory barriers to research on cannabis and cannabinoids: a proposed path forward

An interdisciplinary group of medical scientists, plant geneticists, lawyers, and policy experts...

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CMCR congratulations Dr. Donald Abrams on his retirement - June 2020

CMCR Director Igor Grant congratulates Donald Abrams, MD, of UCSF on his retirement, and...

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Congratulations to Dr. Marsida Kallupi

Congratulations to Dr. Marsida Kallupi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC...

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About the CMCR

CMCR Director Dr. Igor Grant speaks about the priorities and activities of the Center for...

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Testing drivers for cannabis is hard. Here's why.

Alicia Wallace, CNN Business, January 2, 2020 As a growing number of states legalize cannabis,...

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For people with HIV, cannabis use linked to lower rates of cognitive impairment

Emily Land, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, February 24, 2020 In a recently published paper,...

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Cannabis May Have a Beneficial Effect on HIV-Associated Blood-Brain Barrier Injury

Marilynn Larkin, Reuters Health, April 30, 2020 In a recently published paper, Ron Ellis and...

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Validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for analyzing cannabinoids in oral fluid.

A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for quantifying ten...

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Cannabis exposure is associated with a lower likelihood of neurocognitive impairment in people living with HIV

Findings suggest cannabis exposure is linked to a lower odds of neurocognitive impairment in the...

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Beneficial effects of cannabis on blood brain barrier function in HIV

Study results show that cannabis may have a beneficial impact on HIV-associated blood brain...

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Smoking weed: When is someone too high to drive?

January 3, 2019 David McNew explored the complexities in assessing cannabis associated impairment...

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California Still Struggling To Police Stoned Drivers

Shalina Chatlani, KPBS, December 20, 2019 Marijuana is hard to police. A small amount may...

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Marijuana researchers shackled by federal laws and regulations

Ashleigh Papp, San Jose Mercury News, January 2, 2020 Scientists must obtain hard-to-get license...

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Republicans and Democrats agree: VA must study medical marijuana for veterans

June 20, 2019 Abbie Bennett, in an article written for Radio.com illustrated the political...

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CMCR announces $3M in new research grants to California investigators

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) at UC San Diego has been a leader in medical...

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CMCR Building

CMCR Grants Program - 2021

CMCR Grants Program - 2021 - Request for Applications The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research...

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The CBD Expert Series: Q&A with a National Leader in Cannabis Research

Nick Musica, CBD Oil Review, August 21, 2019 Recently, Nick Musica of CBD Oil Review had the...

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UC San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research Awards Grants for Five Novel Studies

Scott LaFee, UC San Diego News Center, October 10, 2019 The Center for Medicinal Cannabis...

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Inconsistent, inaccurate information hinders medical cannabis’ potential to ‘revolutionize’ health, wellness

Robert Solomon, Healio, October 30, 2019 The full impact of legalizing medicinal cannabis in some...

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Cannabis Research Buds Out in New Directions, Arthritis to Insomnia

Debra Kamin, This Week at UC San Diego News, October 10, 2019 With 33 states and the District of...

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San Diego schools look to take mystery and misinformation out of medical marijuana

Jared Aarons, ABC 10News San Diego, September 10, 2019 Starting this fall, the Pacific College of...

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Targets of Opportunity for Medicinal Cannabis Research with Dr. Igor Grant, CMCR UCSD

Karen Jagoda, Empowered Patient Podcast, November 19, 2019 Dr. Igor Grant, Director, Center for...

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Marijuana Culture Has Arrived, But The Science Is Still Catching Up

Shalina Chatlani, KPBS, December 19, 2019 More people are buying marijuana since California...

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Pure CBD Won't Make You Fail a Drug Test, But…

Amy Norton, HealthDay, August 9, 2019 As the CBD craze sweeps the nation, some users may wonder...

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CMCR 2019 Symposium

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) hosted a one-day symposium on October 18, 2019...

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Regulators hungry for evidence as FDA weighs allowing CBD in food, dietary supplements

Angelica LaVito, CNBC, May 31, 2019 Food and Drug Administration regulators grilled manufacturers...

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Three years into legal cannabis and California still doesn’t have a reliable test for driving while high

Brooke Staggs, Orange County Register, May 31, 2019 Nearly three years after California voters...

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Harvard, MIT share $9 million gift to study marijuana’s health effects

Felice J. Freyer, Boston Globe, April 30, 2019 An investor in the cannabis industry has donated...

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Marijuana research still shackled by Feds three years after DEA promised to lift monopoly

Brooke Staggs, Orange County Register, May 8, 2019 Nearly three years after the Drug Enforcement...

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What to Know About the CBD at Your CVS

Marty Munson, Men's Health, April 3, 2019 CVS and Walgreens announced they’re going to sell...

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CBD In Food: Is It Safe (And Legal) To Eat?

Katherine Martinelli, HuffPost, April 2, 2019 Feeling anxious? Down? In pain? Cannabidiol —...

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No, CBD-infused jelly beans won’t get you high. Here’s why.

Eli Rosenberg, Washington Post, March 19, 2019 There is CBD beer, and CBD coffee, and CBD gummies...

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Can CBD Help Your Child?

Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Consumer Reports, February 26, 2019 When a child is sick and conventional...

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North American Cannabis Summit - January 2019

Igor Grant, MD Marijuana as Medicine: Can We See Past the Smoke? North American Cannabis...

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Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) versus Placebo as an Adjunct to Treatment in Early Psychosis

PI: Kristin Cadenhead, MD This clinical trial will explore the effectiveness of cannabidiol...

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Therapeutic Response of Cannabidiol in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PI: Veena Ranganath, MD The overall goal of this proof-of-principle proposal is to examine the...

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Cannabidiol for Sedative/Hypnotic-sparing Management of Insomnia in Adults

PI: Mariana Cherner, PhD It is estimated that up to a third US adults suffer from sleep problems,...

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The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Regulating Meal Time Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa

PI: Guido Frank, MD Because there are no proven treatments that normalize core symptoms in adult...

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Cannabidiol as a Strategy to Treat Alcohol Dependence

PI: Giordano de Guglielmo, PharmD, PhD The development of novel and more effective medications...

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CMCR recipient of Major Philanthropic Award

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 68 children in the...

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Presentation before the Medical Board of California - April 2018

Presentation before the Medical Board of California (PDF) Igor Grant, MD, FRCP(C) (April 2018)

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The Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Symptoms of Severe Autism

PI: Doris Trauner, MD This clinical trial is examining if and how cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical...

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CMCR 2018 Symposium - Cannabis and Health: Opportunities and Challenges in the New Era

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) hosted a one-day symposium exploring emerging...

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CMCR 2018 Symposium

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) hosted our inaugural symposium series on June...

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Cannabis Use and the Endocannabinoid System in Bipolar Disorder

PI: William Perry, Ph.D. & Jared Young, Ph.D This study will look at the impact of chronic...

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The Challenge of Assessing Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis - September 2017

Thomas Marcotte, PhD Presentation before the Canadian House of Commons (September 2017)  

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Medicinal Cannabis - Can We See Past the Smoke? - July 2017

Igor Grant, MD UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds (July 2017)  

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Effect of Cannabis and Endocannabinoids on HIV Neuropathic Pain

PI: Brook Henry, Ph.D. & Ron Ellis, M.D., Ph.D. This study will address these three...

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American Psychological Association Plenary Address - August 2016

Marijuana as Medicine: Can we see past the smoke? (PDF) American Psychological Association...

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Marijuana and Cannabinoids: A Neuroscience Research Summit - March 2016

browser does not support iframe Presentation by Barth Wilsey, MD The Marijuana and Cannabinoids:...

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Job/Volunteer Opportunities

Are there job opportunities All open positions at the University of California, San Diego can be...

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CMCR Study Reports

When will the results of the trials be available? Results of completed studies will be...

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- Jody Corey-Bloom, MD, PhD - Short-Term Effects of Cannabis Therapy on Spasticity in MS

Short-Term Effects of Cannabis Therapy on Spasticity in MS INVESTIGATOR: Jody Corey-Bloom, M.D.,...

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- Sean Drummond, PhD - Sleep and Medicinal Cannabis

Sleep and Medicinal Cannabis INVESTIGATOR: Sean Drummond, Ph.D. STUDY LOCATION: University of...

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- Thomas Marcotte, PhD - Impact of Repeated Cannabis Treatments on Driving Abilities

Impact of Repeated Cannabis Treatments on Driving Abilities INVESTIGATOR: Thomas Marcotte,...

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- Ian Meng, PhD - Mechanisms of Cannabinoid Analgesia

Mechanisms of Cannabinoid Analgesia INVESTIGATOR: Ian Meng, Ph.D. STUDY LOCATION: University of...

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- Daniele Piomelli, PharmD, PhD - Effects of Cannabis Therapy on Endogenous Cannabinoids

Effects of Cannabis Therapy on Endogenous Cannabinoids INVESTIGATOR: Daniele Piomelli, Pharm.D.,...

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- Rachel Schrier, PhD - Effects of Medicinal Cannabis on CD4 immunity in AIDS

Effects of Medicinal Cannabis on CD4 immunity in AIDS INVESTIGATOR: Rachel Schrier, Ph.D. STUDY...

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- Mark Wallace, MD - Analgesic Efficacy of Smoked Cannabis

Analgesic Efficacy of Smoked Cannabis INVESTIGATOR: Mark Wallace, M.D. STUDY LOCATION:...

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- Mark Wallace, MD - Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy INVESTIGATOR: Mark Wallace,...

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- Barth Wilsey, MD - The Analgesic Effect of Vaporized Cannabis on Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury

The Analgesic Effect of Vaporized Cannabis on Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord...

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- Donald Abrams, MD - Vaporization as a "Smokeless" Cannabis Delivery System

Vaporization as a "Smokeless" Cannabis Delivery System INVESTIGATOR: Donald Abrams, M.D. STUDY...

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News

February 5, 2024 Marijuana messes with your driving for longer than you thinkSumathi Reddy, The...

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Publications of Interest

Sawicki, SM, Hernandez C, Laiteerapong N, Zahradnik EK. The use of dispensary-obtained...

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CMCR Reports

US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESBasis for the Recommendation to Reschedule...

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Mission

OverviewEstablished in 2000, the UC Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) has been at...

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The Psychiatric and Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis - February 2015

The Psychiatric and Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis (PDF) Igor Grant, MD, FRCP(C) American...

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