University of Minnesota Launches State’s First Cannabis Research Program

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The University of Minnesota School of Public Health has launched the state’s first Cannabis Research Center (CRC), funded by a $2.5 million state appropriation.

The center’s mission is to provide, interpret, and share research to inform cannabis-related policy and practice in Minnesota, while also conducting innovative research on the public health impacts of cannabis legalization.

Minnesota joins several other states, including California, Colorado, and Florida, that have established or are establishing state-sponsored cannabis research centers. Some of these programs have led FDA-approved clinical trials on cannabis efficacy.

The core functions of the CRC, according to its official website, include:

• Engage and collaborate with key partners and individuals to identify research questions.
• Promote, conduct, and disseminate research related to public health and cannabis.
• Recruit and train cannabis researchers and evaluators.

In 2023, Minnesota lawmakers passed legislation to legalize marijuana for everyone 21 and older, including establishing a system of licensed, regulated and taxed marijuana businesses. Licensed marijuana retail outlets are expected to open sometime in 2025. The legislation also facilitates the automatic review and expungement of marijuana-related criminal records.

The provisions in Minnesota’s marijuana law that allows those 21 and older to legally possess and grow marijuana went into effect in August 2023.

Earlier this month Minnesota preapproved over 3,000 marijuana business licenses.

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