Thursday, February 12th at 1:00 PM MST

The UC San Diego Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research: Some Findings

Igor Grant, MD is Distinguished Professor, and Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Established in 2000, the CMCR has been at the forefront of advancing science and policy relating to the potential clinical benefits, and limitations, of cannabinoids as medicine. With core funding through California Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) CMCR has established a grants program that funds primary and pilot studies that further the Center’s mission, including examining the treatment of medical and psychiatric disorders, as well as the potential public health impacts of cannabis use. In addition to supporting clinical and basic science studies conducted at research institutions throughout California, the CMCR also conducts studies funded by various sources (e.g. NIH, State of California, philanthropy). Dr. Grant’s own research as a neuropsychiatrist has focused on the impacts of various diseases, such as HIV, drug abuse, and chronic stress on brain and behavior, and has been reported in over 800 scientific publications.

Dr. Marcotte, CMCR Co-Director, is a Professor of Psychiatry and neuropsychologist who has been affiliated with the CMCR since its inception. His primary focus has been on the impact of cannabis use on cognition and driving. This includes simulator and on-road studies, as well as the development of methods for determining cannabis-related impairment, including evaluating approaches used by law enforcement. He has served on national and state impaired-driving workgroups and presented to scientific, law enforcement, forensic toxicologist, judicial, and traffic safety advocacy groups, as well as state/national/international policymakers. His work has also explored medicinal applications of cannabis (pain, spasticity). Dr. Marcotte is lead editor of the book Neuropsychology of Everyday Functioning.