R3CR Team at Cannabis Research Conference 2025
Industry Events
Stay up-to-date on events and training around cannabis and cannabinoid research
The R3CR events page is designed to be your source for past and future events from the R3CR and the broader cannabis science community.
Please note that the industry events we share on this website are not exhaustive. If you have other suggestions of events and training we can add, please email us at info@r3cr.org.
NIH R3CR 2026 First Annual Stakeholder Meeting Highlights & Takeaways
The first annual NIH Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) Stakeholder Meeting brought together investigators, standard-setting bodies, and federal regulators to discuss the future of cannabis research. Below is a look at the topics covered during the event 
:
- Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape: Experts from the NIH, FDA, CANNRA, and academia discussed the anticipated impacts of the DEA’s transition of marijuana to Schedule III. This shift is expected to significantly reduce barriers to clinical and non-clinical product development and enable more robust research.
Learn more - Advancing research standards and the P2P network: To address the lack of uniform terminologies and access to research-grade materials, R3CR is developing a peer-to-peer (P2P) supply network. The meeting highlighted how this network, alongside engagement with DEA-approved bulk manufacturers, will help facilitate compliant material sharing across institutions and improve research reproducibility. Learn more
- Seed funding innovations: Our first cohort of R3CR seed funding recipients showcased their emerging projects. Highlights included establishing a DEA-compliant research infrastructure at Tuskegee University, building the Colorado Cannabis Public Health Database (CCPHD) to standardize health data, and developing an IND-enabling platform for multi-site clinical evaluation. Learn more (2027 RFA will be announced at the end of summer 2026)
- Overcoming digital dissemination barriers: Researchers face unique challenges when sharing findings online due to strict platform policies and content moderation. The meeting provided actionable strategies for investigators to bypass automated shadowbans and effectively communicate legitimate scientific education without triggering recreational drug promotion filters.
- Aligning resources with community needs: Through partnerships with the Association of Cannabis Research Centers (ACRC) and the STEM (Systematically Testing the Evidence on Marijuana) project, the community identified critical research priorities for the next 5-10 years, emphasizing the need for better translatability of models, lifespan studies, and the harmonization of data and dosing standards.
Upcoming Industry & R3CR Events
American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) Meeting: “Elevating Natural Products”
July 26 – 29, 2026
Denver Marriott Tech Center
Cost: Varies
Abstract Details:
- Abstract Submission – OPEN NOW
- Abstract Submission Closes on April 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Central Time
- Notification of Acceptance for Poster Submissions – On a Rolling Basis
- Notification of Acceptance for Contributed Talks – by May 1, 2026
- Registration Deadline to Present – June 1, 2026
➡️ SUBMIT ABSTRACT (closes Apr 15, 2026)
➡️ REGISTER
RSMj 10th Annual Scientific Meeting
“We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary where it all began. Consider submitting a symposium, panel, or individual abstract to be part of this growing community as we commemorate a decade of outstanding contributions to cannabis research.”
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
July 17-19, 2026
Hotel Albuquerque
➡️ Submit symposium, panel, or individual abstract (deadline Mar 16, 2026)
➡️ Learn more
➡️ Download conference flyer (pdf)
11th Annual Chemistry and Pharmacology of Drug Abuse (CPDA) Conference
“The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Drug Abuse (CPDA) Conference brings together top medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to present their recent findings. These scientists approach the challenge of avoiding drug addiction and of treating it when it does occur. By investigating alternative molecular receptors and novel pathways of information transfer, they seek non-addictive pain therapies, possibly ones that do not require morphine. codeine or derivatives thereof.
The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Drug Abuse (CPDA) Conference brings together top medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to present their recent findings.”
July 30-31, 2026
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
▶️ Learn more
▶️ Register
2026 Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) Symposium: Cannabis & Sport
October 1-2, 2026
8:00AM-12:00PM Pacific Time
Virtual Event
Cost: Free
The 2026 CMCR Symposium is a two-day, virtual scientific conference that will take place on Thursday and Friday, October 1-2, 2026 from 8AM-12Noon Pacific Time. Many athletes believe that cannabis and cannabinoids help them train, treat their pain, or otherwise improve their game, but what does the science say? This year’s symposium will highlight the latest scientific studies of the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on exercise, athletic performance, and recovery.
➡️ REGISTER
Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium
10th Annual National Cannabis Research Conference
“The ICR in collaboration with the Global Hemp Innovation Center and the National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium is pleased to announce the 10th Annual National Cannabis Research Conference to be held in San Diego California next fall! Please click below to learn more.”
Oct 19-21, 2026
San Diego, CA
Cost: Varies (full conference vs. student)
➡️ REGISTER
> Use promo code CHADSAID2GO and get 10% off registration
Note: This is a great opportunity to connect with representatives from R3CR!
Featured Event: 2026 CANNRA External Stakeholder Meeting
State cannabis regulators are tasked with a monumental responsibility: protecting public health within a rapidly expanding and evolving marketplace. However, policy decisions are frequently hindered by substantial scientific data gaps. At the 2026 Cannabis Regulatory Authorities Forum (CANNRA) External Stakeholder Meeting, discussions included how the scientific community can better align its research priorities to address these urgent regulatory needs.
Date: June 9–10, 2026
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
R3CR Representative: Nandakumara Sarma, RPh, PhD (Director of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine, US Pharmacopeia)
CANNRA 2026 Stakeholder Meeting
Nandakumara Sarma, RPh, PhD (PI); Director of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine at US Pharmacopeia: Serving on panel on vape products to represent the public health concerns and research gap
Addressing public health and vape safety
Dr. Nandakumara Sarma represented the public health and research sectors as a panelist on vape products, highlighting immediate public health concerns, product characterization challenges, and critical research blind spots.
A primary takeaway from the meeting is that regulators urgently require robust, validated data to guide policy frameworks. For example, insights shared by Heather Krug of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) emphasize that current regulatory frameworks are evolving faster than the data supporting them.
“State cannabis regulators need lots of data to guide decisions. Are your research priorities aligned to address the public health gaps?” – Dr. Nandakumara Sarma
Cultivating connections to shape policy
During the event, Dr. Sarma met with Dr. Gillian Schauer, Executive Director of CANNRA, to discuss collaborative strategies for connecting the regulatory and research communities – a foundational objective of the R3CR. By establishing direct lines of communication and understanding the concrete data challenges faced by state agencies, R3CR aims to help investigators design studies that directly inform evidence-based policy.
To explore how data can effectively guide frameworks, we highly recommend reading Dr. Schauer’s publication, “A Research Agenda to Inform Cannabis Regulation: How Science Can Shape Policy.” Link to publication
Event Resources & Further Reading
- Official Agenda: Download the CANNRA 2026 Meeting Agenda
- CANNRA Meetings: Visit the CANNRA Event Website
- Regulatory Gaps: Explore the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Research Gaps Guide
During the event, Dr. Sarma met with Dr. Gillian Schauer, Executive Director of CANNRA, to discuss collaborative strategies for connecting the regulatory and research communities – a foundational objective of the R3CR. By establishing direct lines of communication and understanding the concrete data challenges faced by state agencies, R3CR aims to help investigators design studies that directly inform evidence-based policy.
To explore how data can effectively guide frameworks, we highly recommend reading Dr. Schauer’s publication, “A Research Agenda to Inform Cannabis Regulation: How Science Can Shape Policy.”
Event Resources & Further Reading
• Official Agenda: Download the CANNRA 2026 Meeting Agenda
• CANNRA Meetings: Visit the CANNRA Event Website
• Regulatory Gaps: Explore the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Research Gaps Guide
CANNRA 2026 Stakeholder Meeting
Nandakumara Sarma, RPh, PhD (PI); Director of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine at US Pharmacopeia and Gillian Schauer, the Executive Director of CANNRA
Past Presentations by R3CR Team
Cannabis and Cannabinoids Activities at the University of Mississippi and R3CR Center
May 19, 2025
Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids (CCC) 50th Anniversary Event:
UCLA/ Semel Auditorium
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Ph.D.
Research Professor,
Professor of Pharmaceutics
Regulatory Guidance Core
Cannabis and Cannabinoids Activities at the University of Mississippi and R3CR Center
July 9, 2025
Bloomington, Indiana
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Ph.D.
Research Professor,
Professor of Pharmaceutics
Regulatory Guidance Core
Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR): A Newly Funded Center
Aug 5, 2025
ASP 2025: A Grand Natural Products Adventure
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Ph.D.
Research Professor,
Professor of Pharmaceutics
Regulatory Guidance Core
Quality Considerations for Cannabis Clinical Research
Aug 19, 2025
American Chemical Society (ACS) Meeting
“The Cannabis/Hemp Conundrum: Analytics, Standards, and Regulatory Control”
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Nandakumara Sarma, RPh, PhD
Director of Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine at US Pharmacopeia
Research Standards Core
Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR): A Newly Funded Center
Aug 28, 2025 via Zoom
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Ph.D.
Research Professor,
Professor of Pharmaceutics
Regulatory Guidance Core
WSU/UW Joint Cannabis Research Symposium
May 15, 2026 | Pullman, WA
WSU/UW Joint Cannabis Research Symposium
“Navigating the Weeds of Weed Research Through the NIH Cannabis Resource Center”
Mary F. Paine, Deena L. Hadi, and Rebecca L. Cooney
Research Support Core
International Conference on the Science of Botanicals (ICSB)
Aug 20-23, 2026
“A Joint Effort: Accomplishments of the Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research”
“Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Strategic Insights from the FDA and DEA”
Representatives spoke from all three cores: Research Support, Research Standards, and Regulatory Guidance
WSU/UW Joint Cannabis Research Symposium
May 15, 2026 | Pullman, WA
WSU/UW Joint Cannabis Research Symposium
“Navigating the Weeds of Weed Research Through the NIH Cannabis Resource Center”
Mary F. Paine, Deena L. Hadi, and Rebecca L. Cooney
Research Support Core
NIH R3CR Stakeholder Meeting
May 21, 2026 | Rockville, MD
NIH R3CR first annual Stakeholder Meeting
Presentations included:
- “R3CR Core Overview and Implementation Updates”
- “Seed Funding Projects: Emerging Research Directions”
- “Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape”
- “DEA approved Cannabis Growers and Peer-to-Peer Supply Network”
- “Aligning Center Resources with Research Community Needs”
Representatives spoke from all three cores: Research Support, Research Standards, and Regulatory Guidance