Letter from the Chair of the Governing Board
As Chair of the Governing Board of the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR), I’m excited to share highlights from what has been a truly transformative year. From groundbreaking research to new educational programs and deeper community engagement, we’ve made meaningful progress—and I’m proud to walk you through what we’ve accomplished together.
Research That’s Making a Difference
This year, our funding of research efforts really paid off. The ICR has supported many new peer-reviewed publications and helped our researchers secure more than $9 million in additional funding. Despite a tough budget year, we successfully preserved our core funding. Originally facing a $950,000 cut from the state budget, we worked with state legislators to reduce that to $725,000. To this end, the ICR has funded three new innovative grant proposals this next year, covering topics including use of cannabis for chronic spine pain, cannabis-impaired driving, and cannabidiol metabolites. We have also updated our RFA cycle for next year with streamlined review processes/timelines and enhanced conflict-of-interest protocols.
Building the Next Generation of Cannabis Experts
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the ICR Certificate of Foundational Studies in Cannabis, a 16-credit program starting in fall 2025 through CSU Pueblo’s Extended Studies. This program covers everything from cannabis regulation to health effects and contamination, and it’s designed to prepare students for real-world engagement with the industry.
Growing Support for Our Mission
Our first-ever fundraising dinner in February 2025 was a big step forward. We welcomed 148 attendees and the evening featured inspiring talks from Governor Jared Polis, Ed Perlmutter, and Joel Stanley, and we honored Paige Figi with our inaugural ICR Award of Excellence.
Connecting Through Conferences
We’re gearing up for the 9th annual Cannabis Research Conference 2025, happening October 6–8 in Portland, Oregon. This conference is a premier event for advancing cannabis science, covering areas like medicine, textiles, food, and more. It brings together leading researchers, innovators, and industry representatives.
What’s Next
Looking forward, we’re focused on launching our new certificate program, funding impactful research, expanding our donor base, and building partnerships with public agencies, Colorado legislators, and academic institutions. Our marketing team has been hard at work improving our website, launching researcher blogs, and reaching out with podcasts and media outlets. We’re also creating helpful resources for new cannabis researchers and building stronger connections with regulatory agencies and donors. The future is bright, and we’re ready to keep pushing forward.
Warm regards,
Chair, Governing Board
Dr. Jon Reuter
Institute of Cannabis Research