The Cannabis Science Conference Continues to Grow

The Cannabis Science Conference, which took place August 28–29, 2018 in Portland, Oregon, saw another year of record-breaking attendance and exhibitors.

The conference drew in a large crowd with its high-profile plenary speaker, Fran Drescher, who addressed a packed room on Tuesday. Drescher discussed the Cancer Schmancer nonprofit she runs and the movement for cleaner living that is the basis of their message. She also explained her involvement with the cannabis industry and how its use as a medicine has helped her heal.  

Many attendees also came to hear world-renowned scientists speak about their research such as Dr. Dedi Meiri of Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Dr. Sue Sisley of Scottsdale Research Institute, Dr. Ethan Russo of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), and Dr. Bonni Goldstein of Canna Centers. Other prominent leaders in the cannabis industry also gave exciting talks: Tracy Ryan of CannaKids and Saving Sophie; Dr. Jahan Marcu of the International Research Center on Cannabis and Mental Health; Dr. Ralph Peroli of the National Research Council Canada; and Dr. Uma Dhanabalan of Uplifting Health & Wellness & Global Health & Hygiene Solutions-just to name a few.

In addition, a new cultivation track was added to the conference this year featuring keynote talks from Dr. Jacklyn Green of Agate Biosciences, Autumn Karcey of Cultivio, Inc., Dr. Roger Kern of Agate Biosciences, and Ed Rosenthal of Quick Trading Company.

Finally, there were several popular panel discussions throughout the two days as well. On the analytical side, there was the “Doc & Jocks Panel” presented by Athletes for CARE and moderated by Dr. Uma Dhanabalan. The panel featured several high-profile former professional athletes from the NFL, NHL, NBA, and one current player on the U.S. Women’s Rugby team. On the medical side, there were several panel discussions: “Treating Pediatric Patients-A Parent’s Prospective” moderated by Michelle Dumay of CannaKids and Saving Sophie and featuring several parents that are active in the fight for medical cannabis for their children and others; “International Cannabis Updates” moderated by Sharlene Mavor of Australia and featuring panelists from Colombia, Jamaica, Israel, Germany, and Australia; and “Cannabinoid Research in Pharmaceuticals” moderated by Tracy Ryan and featuring Dr. Sue Sisley, Dr. Ethan Russo, and Dr. Dedi Meiri.

For more information on the key take-aways from this year’s conference, please look for the review article by Josh Crossney, president and founder of jCanna, Inc., and the Cannabis Science Conference, in our September issue.