LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
As Chair of the Governing Board of the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR), I’m proud to reflect on another year of meaningful growth, collaboration, and impact. Over the past year, the ICR has continued to expand its role as a national leader in cannabis science, education, and public engagement while strengthening partnerships that support rigorous research and informed policy development across Colorado and beyond.
This year, we continued building momentum through expanded collaborations among researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, students, and industry leaders. These partnerships remain central to the ICR mission and reinforce the importance of evidence-based research in addressing complex public health, scientific, and regulatory questions surrounding cannabis.
SUPPORTING INNOVATIVE RESEARCH
One of the most significant accomplishments this year was the advancement and funding of several new ICR supported research grant proposals. Despite ongoing budget pressures at the state level, the Institute remained committed to supporting high-quality scientific inquiry with meaningful real-world applications.
Newly funded projects focused on areas including chronic spine pain, cannabis-impaired driving, and cannabidiol metabolites, among others. These studies reflect the breadth and maturity of cannabis research emerging from Colorado and demonstrate the ICR’s continued commitment to funding interdisciplinary work that advances public understanding and informs future policy and healthcare decisions.
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH EVENTS
This year also marked an exciting milestone for the Institute through the success of the 2nd Annual ICR Advancement and Networking Gala. The event brought together researchers, supporters, policymakers, industry professionals, students, and community members for an evening at the beautiful Baldoria on the Water, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and the growing impact of cannabis research. The Gala not only highlighted the accomplishments of the Institute but also demonstrated the strong community of supporters committed to advancing credible, independent science in this evolving field.
We are also looking ahead with great anticipation to the upcoming ICR Annual Conference in October 2026 in San Diego. The conference continues to serve as a premier forum for thought leadership, scientific exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As the cannabis research landscape evolves rapidly, the conference provides a critical platform for researchers and stakeholders to share emerging findings, explore new opportunities, and engage in important conversations shaping the future of cannabis science, medicine, education, and policy.
LOOKING AHEAD
The continued success of the ICR would not be possible without the dedication of our researchers, faculty affiliates, students, staff, sponsors, donors, and Governing Board members. Their expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit continue to strengthen the Institute and expand its impact.
As we look ahead, the opportunities before us are tremendous. Cannabis research is entering a period of unprecedented visibility and growth, and the ICR is well positioned to help lead the scientific, educational, and policy conversations that will define the future of the field. Together, we will continue advancing innovative research, expanding educational opportunities, fostering collaboration, and supporting the Institute’s mission to improve lives through credible cannabis science.
Warm regards,
Dr. Jon Reuter
Chair, Governing Board