NIH Record - National Institutes of Health

NIH Hosts Marijuana Research Summit

Collins and Volkow
NIH director Dr. Francis Collins and NIDA director Dr. Nora Volkow at the recent summit on marijuana/cannabinoids

NIH hosted Marijuana and Cannabinoids: A Neuroscience Research Summit on Mar. 22-23, sponsored by several institutes and centers. Held at Natcher Conference Center, the event focused on the neurological and psychiatric effects of marijuana, other cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. 

Given the rapidly shifting landscape of marijuana use and legalization, the summit was held to ensure evidence-based information is available to inform practice and policy. More than 2,000 people—including 60 international participants—attended the event in person and via videocast. 

Speakers included NIH director Dr. Francis Collins, National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli, FDA commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, as well as researchers who presented on the cannabinoid system as well as the adverse and potential therapeutic effects of marijuana.

Attendees from around the world were able to pose questions to the researchers via Twitter during the event. The summit also included a poster session with 126 participants showcasing their research. 

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Associate Editor: Dana Talesnik
Dana.Talesnik@nih.gov (link sends e-mail)

Assistant Editor: Eric Bock
Eric.Bock@nih.gov (link sends e-mail)

Staff Writer: Amber Snyder
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