Schedule | CannMed 26 Innovation & Collaboration Summit | June 15-18, 2026

Treating hemp and cannabis as one plant when used for human consumption—through unified, science-based oversight.

As cannabis moves toward federal recognition, legalization is the entry point—not the destination. This opening panel frames the One-Plant Policy as a public-health and regulatory principle: when cannabis and hemp are intended for human consumption, they should be governed by the same safety expectations, analytical standards, and evidence thresholds—regardless of THC concentration.

Using a federal lifecycle lens—legalization → standardization → data-validated outcomes—panelists will examine how coordinated alignment across FDA, USDA, and DEA can replace fragmented state rules with harmonized oversight that protects patients and consumers, enables consistent products, and scales commerce responsibly.

Key topics include FDA regulatory “lanes,” bridging medical cannabis, hemp-derived cannabinoids, supplements, and pharmaceuticals; protections for minors and medical patients within adult-use systems; and how U.S. legalization can catalyze Codex / USP / ISO alignment for global markets.

What Attendees Will Take Away:

• Why intended human consumption, not THC thresholds, should drive oversight

• How unified standards reduce risk while enabling innovation and scale

• Practical implications for operators, labs, regulators, and investors

• A credible roadmap from federal legalization to global standards alignment

Kickoff the CannMed 26 Innovation & Collaboration Summit with our Welcome Reception. Enjoy the mountain atmosphere at the Water Gardens, while mingling with other CannMed attendees, sponsors, and presenters and enjoying an open bar & hor dourves. We invite you to join us for a night of networking and entertainment before we kick off the workshops in the morning!

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How soil biology, microbial ecology, and genomic insight are reshaping sustainable cannabis production

This panel explores regenerative cultivation through a scientific lens—focusing on living soils, beneficial microbial networks, and data-driven strategies to reduce chemical inputs while improving crop resilience and consistency.

Panelists will examine how regenerative cultivation can be measured, validated, and scaled, including:

• Distinguishing pathogenic vs. beneficial microbial networks in soil and plant tissues
• Designing cultivation systems that leverage biological control and vector ecology
• Using genomics and qPCR to assess soil health, endophytes, and disease pressure
• Maintaining photoperiod stability and cultivar performance in living-soil systems
• Scaling regenerative models that prioritize nutrient cycling, microbial balance, and long-term soil vitality

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9:00 AM – 9:05 AM – Welcome and Introductions

9:05 AM – 9:45 AM – Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) Revisited – Ethan Russo
This presentation will examine the evidence that migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, major depression, post-traumatic stress and other conditions are related to deficiencies in endocannabinoid tone, along with their implications for therapeutic management.

9:45 AM – 10:25 AM – Foundational Concepts of Cannabis as Medicine – Dustin Sulak

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10:35 am – 11:15 am – Beyond THC and CBD: Minor Cannabinoids: Bonni Goldstein
This session will explore emerging research on lesser-known cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD, such as CBG, CBDA, and CBN. Clinicians will gain insight into their pharmacology, potential therapeutic applications, and the evolving clinical evidence supporting their use in pain management, inflammation, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disorders.

11:15 am – 12:00 pm – Chronic Pain: Clinical Strategies for Success in Challenging Cases: Dustin Sulak
Chronic pain is one of the most common indications for which people use cannabis. This presentation will review the clinical evidence supporting the use of cannabis for chronic pain and its role in opioid reduction, and provide practical approaches to challenging cases and etiologies of pain.

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Decoding how genetics, nutrient signaling, circadian rhythms, and environmental cues govern the most pivotal trait in cannabis cultivation

Flowering time determines yield, cannabinoid expression, harvest timing, and regulatory compliance. This panel brings together leading geneticists and plant scientists to examine how genome structure, nutrient signaling, photoperiod sensing, and climate adaptation converge to control floral induction in cannabis.

Panelists will explore how genetics, environment, and nutrient status interact to control flowering, including:

• How flowering genes and regulatory regions differ across landraces and hybrids
•  The role of photoperiod and circadian signaling in floral induction timing
•  Nutrient-driven transcriptional control of flowering and energy allocation
•  Matching genotype to latitude, climate stress, and compliance timelines
•  Breeding climate-adaptive cultivars that balance yield predictability and cannabinoid expression

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Discover cutting-edge research, connect with poster authors, collect passport stamps, and enjoy a lively networking lunch.

Re-evaluating legacy microbial metrics as cannabis aligns with food and pharmaceutical safety models

As food and pharmaceutical safety frameworks continue to evolve toward pathogen- and species-specific risk assessment, the cannabis sector faces critical decisions about how to modernize its microbial testing standards. This panel examines the historical role of Total Yeast & Mold (TYM), its scientific and operational limitations, and emerging regulatory models that better reflect actual health risk.

Panelists will explore how risk-based, species-specific detection can improve safety outcomes, regulatory defensibility, and operational decision-making—while reducing unintended consequences associated with broad microbial thresholds.

Key Discussion Themes:

• The historical role—and limitations—of Total Yeast & Mold as a safety metric
•  Why plating-based total counts often fail to reflect pathogenic risk
•  Advantages of species-specific detection for actionable risk management
•  Regulatory considerations when transitioning to modern microbial frameworks
•  Balancing public health, compliance clarity, and laboratory feasibility

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1:45 pm – 2:30 pm – Cannabinoids and the Immune System: Therapeutic Approaches to Autoimmune Disorders: Bonni Goldstein
This presentation examines the immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids and their potential role in managing autoimmune diseases. Clinicians will review current evidence on how the endocannabinoid system influences immune regulation, inflammation, and cellular signaling, with discussion of clinical applications in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. Practical considerations for integrating cannabinoid-based therapies into patient care will also be addressed.

2:30 pm – 3:15 pm- Neurology with Focus on Alzheimer disease and ALS: Ethan Russo
This presentation will examine the pathophysiology of these degenerative conditions, their relationship to the endocannabinoid system and the various mechanisms by which cannabis-based medicine may address the underlying pathology and associated symptoms.

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How molecular nutrient signaling, micronutrient homeostasis, and fungal symbioses are redefining cannabis nutrition

This panel reframes plant nutrition as a signaling and negotiation process, not a simple input–output equation. Leading researchers and applied agronomists will explore how ions, metals, and microbial partners regulate growth, flowering, and secondary metabolite production in cannabis.

Panelists will examine how plants interpret and respond to nutrients at the molecular level, including:

• Nutrients and ions as signaling molecules, not just growth inputs
• Micronutrient homeostasis and metal balance in enzyme and hormone regulation
• Mycorrhizal fungi as nutrient brokers and signal amplifiers
• Transcriptional feedback loops governing nutrient uptake and allocation
• Precision nutrition strategies that improve consistency, efficiency, and metabolite expression

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3:25 pm – 4:05 pm – Cannabinoids in Sports and Recovery: Emerging Science and Clinical Applications: Bonni Goldstein
There is a growing body of research on cannabinoids in athletic performance, recovery, and injury management. Clinicians will learn how cannabinoids influence pain modulation, inflammation, sleep, and neuroprotection, as well as their potential role in enhancing recovery and reducing reliance on opioids and NSAIDs. The discussion will also address product selection, and evidence-based guidance for advising athletes and active patients.

4:05 pm – 4:45 pm – Cannabis in Pregnancy and Lactation: Current Evidence: Dustin Sulak
How do you counsel pregnant and lactating patients regarding the risks of using cannabis? How much THC is delivered to the nursing infant and what are the consequences? Is it ethical and effective to treat pregnant and lactating mothers with cannabis? This presentation synthesizes the knowns, unknowns, and practical considerations to help you provide the best guidance for your patients.

4:45 pm – 5:25 pm – Cannabis and Psychiatry: Pros and Cons throughout Human Development: Ethan Russo
This presentation will examine cognitive impairment related to cannabis, and benefits and liabilities related to depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

5:25 pm – 6:00 pm – Pharmacokinetics and Product Formulation: Understanding Cannabinoid Delivery and Extraction Methods: Dustin Sulak & Bonni Goldstein
This presentation will review the pharmacokinetics of major cannabinoids—absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination—across various delivery systems. Clinicians will gain insight into how extraction techniques, carrier oils, and formulation technologies such as nanoemulsions and liposomal delivery influence onset, potency, and duration of effect. Practical considerations for product selection, dosing, and patient education will also be discussed to support evidence-based therapeutic use.

6:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Q&A : All Faculty

 
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How science, standards, and law converge as cannabis approaches federal regulation

As federal legalization and oversight come into view, cannabis businesses will increasingly operate under the same frameworks that govern food, botanicals, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. This panel brings together leaders from regulatory science, standards organizations, and law to outline the emerging federal playbook—where science, statute, and safety expectations intersect.

The discussion will examine how existing federal systems may extend to cannabis, including FSMA 204 traceability and supply-chain accountability, USDA cultivation and quality standards, USP monographs as microbial and chemical reference points, and the legal implications of federal preemption, labeling, and health claims.

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Future-proofing cannabis propagation through regeneration science, genetic fidelity, and somaclonal risk management

As cannabis cultivation scales, tissue culture is no longer just a sanitation tool—it is a foundational technology for genetic preservation, IP protection, and yield consistency. This panel examines the biological, technical, and governance frameworks required to deploy tissue culture at industrial scale without sacrificing clonal integrity.

Panelists will outline how modern tissue culture programs can be scientifically validated, economically justified, and legally defensible, including:

• Mechanisms driving somaclonal variation and how to mitigate them
• Hormonal and genetic controls governing regeneration fidelity
• Quality-control frameworks for clonal identity verification
• Scaling clean-stock programs without runaway cost or contamination risk
• Aligning tissue culture workflows with IP strategy, breeding pipelines, and enterprise operations

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How state and international regulators are shaping cannabis safety—and what it will take to achieve national consistency

As cannabis markets mature, regulators face the dual challenge of protecting public health while adapting to rapidly evolving science, products, and business models. This panel brings together state, international, and industry-adjacent regulatory voices to discuss best practices, common pitfalls, and emerging solutions for building durable cannabis safety frameworks.

Panelists will examine how agencies approach standard-setting, enforcement, laboratory oversight, and stakeholder engagement—and what lessons can be shared across jurisdictions as the industry moves toward greater national and international alignment.

Key Discussion Themes:

• Building science-based standards under political and operational constraints
• Managing enforcement consistency across diverse licensees and labs
• Updating rules as products, methods, and risks evolve
• Regulator–industry engagement without regulatory capture
• Lessons from international and federalized cannabis systems

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Join us for a celebratory dinner honoring ten years of discovery, connection, and progress.

The recent passage of the Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act has expanded opportunities for organic hemp cultivation and product development. However, limited knowledge of pest management under organic systems presents significant challenges to sustainable production. This study aimed to develop a resilient, organic hemp production system through the integration of plant, soil, and microbial analyses. A commercially available hemp variety was cultivated under both organic and conventional management systems to assess the effects of organic practices on arthropod communities, rhizosphere microbiomes, plant defense signaling, and yield. Comprehensive analyses included arthropod surveys, 16S rDNA microbial sequencing, phytohormone profiling, and cannabinoid quantification.
 
Results revealed that organically managed hemp supported higher pest densities but also harbored approximately twice as many natural enemies compared to conventionally managed hemp. Despite elevated pest pressure, organic hemp exhibited greater biomass and flower yield. Elevated concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were detected in organic hemp, suggesting enhanced activation of plant defense pathways. Furthermore, these phytohormonal changes were associated with distinct rhizosphere microbial community compositions. Collectively, our findings indicate that soil microbial dynamics in organic systems may mediate plant defense responses, thereby enhancing hemp resilience and reducing pest susceptibility. This work provides foundational insights for developing ecologically based pest management strategies in organic hemp production.
 
Learning Objectives:  

• Quantify how organic production systems influence plant resistance to hemp pests through rhizosphere microbial community dynamics
• Evaluate the combined efficacy of OMRI-listed insecticides and biological control agents for pest control

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Given decreased stigma and growing popularity of cannabis, a trend for increased use among women is beginning to emerge, narrowing the gender gap. In particular, women frequently report cannabis use for medical purposes and often aim to address women’s health-related issues specifically. The Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program at McLean Hospital is not only dedicated to examining the impact of medical cannabis use overall but, through the Women’s Health Initiative at MIND (WHIM), is also specifically exploring cannabis use for women’s health and disorders that exclusively or disproportionately affect women.
 
In this presentation, Dr. Gruber will share data from several of WHIM’s novel, first-of-their-kind studies, highlighting interim results from women enrolled in a proof-of-concept clinical trial of a novel, high-cannabidiol product for anxiety and mood in patients with bipolar disorder. As part of this four-week, open-label clinical trial, eligible patients complete baseline assessments of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAM-A]) and mood (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], Montgomery-Asberg Rating Scale [MADRS]). After baseline, patients self-administer the sublingual solution BID (target daily dose: 125mg CBD) and return for weekly follow-up assessments where clinical scales are completed and adverse events are documented. One-tailed paired t-tests examined changes between baseline and final study visits in completers to date (n=8). Interim analyses demonstrate notable improvements; self-report ratings indicate significant decreases on the BAI (-70.13%, p=.003) and BDI (-60.00%, p=.011), while clinician ratings reflect significant decreases on the HAM-A (-65.61%, p<.001) and MADRS (-71.88%, p<.001). Further, the study product appears to be safe and well-tolerated, as no serious adverse events have been reported.
 
Dr. Gruber will also discuss additional studies within WHIM, including a recently launched clinical trial for endometriosis as well as studies focused on other conditions that impact women. These innovative data represent an important step forward, as the development and implementation of alternative cannabinoid-based treatments have the potential to positively impact countless women, ultimately advancing women’s health equity.
 
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Introduction: Opioids continue to be the cause of a US public health emergency, accounting for more than 1,000,000 overdose fatalities since 1999, but are unrivaled in their analgesic efficacy. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that does not alter breathing on its own, has mitigated morphine and fentanyl induced respiratory depression in mice. In this study, we investigated CBD vaping effects on breathing following opioid administration of methadone and hydrocodone in opioid-dependent human subjects.
 
Methods: Respiratory recordings using bluetooth enabled respiration belts were utilized to collect breathing behavior from human subjects for 10 minutes before and after oral methadone or hydrocodone consumption, and 20 minutes following 2-3 puffs of CBD inhalation at 10mg per puff. Data on baseline breathing behavior was gathered prior to opioid and CBD consumption to obtain pre-post outcome data on respiratory depressive effects.
 
Results: Breathing behavior following methadone or hydrocodone consumption shows no difference in depth of respiratory depression. Following CBD inhalation of 20mg or 30mg, breathing behavior returned to baseline levels.
 
Learning Objectives: 

• CBD vaping was effective at returning opioid-induced respiratory depressive effects of two regulated opioids back to baseline levels
• CBD vaping may be a novel prevention to fatal overdose from opioids

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The demand for solventless cannabis concentrates is increasing due to the capacity to preserve the original plant’s complex secondary metabolite profile. Such full spectrum extracts have been shown to be more effective in many cases than distillates with reduced complexity. Additionally, solventless methods reduce reliance on hydrocarbon solvents. Ice water or dry sieve hash production, for example, rely on a physical, solvent-free process that separates trichomes from the plant material, leading to a high-quality product that commands premium pricing. The efficiency of this process is governed by the trait of “washability,” defined as the percentage of extractable trichome biomass per flower biomass, which is positively correlated with morphological factors like open flower structure and large, dense trichome heads with weak necks that easily detach from the stalk.

We aimed to identify the genetic loci responsible for improved washability to enable targeted breeding efforts. A diverse population of 436 cannabis plants was genotyped using an Illumina bead array. Plants were grown under standard greenhouse conditions, and washability was quantified in fresh frozen flower material using a miniaturized jar-tech extraction method to determine wash yield (mg trichomes/g flower material). Nested association mapping was subsequently performed to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the washability trait.

We successfully identified and validated major genetic loci strongly associated with washability on two distinct chromosomes. The deployment of these genetic markers in our breeding program facilitates the precise selection of “good washers,” enabling the development of cultivars with predictably high wash or dry sieve yields while preserving the desirable aroma and metabolite profile of the original plant. This marker-assisted selection approach is a critical step in advancing the quality and efficiency of solventless concentrate production.

Learning Objectives:

• Trichome and flower structures important for hash plants
• Genetic markers that are associated with traits that enhance solventless extraction yield

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Background:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with pervasive resistance to Gemcitabine (Gem) and Nab-Paclitaxel (Nab) driving poor clinical outcomes. To identify novel therapeutic adjuncts, multiple cannabinoids(e.g. CBG, CBD, CBC) were screened across MIAPaCa-2, PANC-1, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) CCT-4IT cell lines. Among them, Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, emerged as a potent candidate, yet its mechanistic role in chemo-sensitization remains underexplored.

Methods:
Cytotoxic synergy between CBG and chemotherapeutics (Gem, Nab Paclitaxel[Nab], and the triple combination CBG+Gem+Nab) was assessed in MIAPaCa-2, PANC-1 and PDX CCT-4IT cells in 2D and 3D cultures. Western blot analyses quantified alterations in key resistance and survival pathways (AXL, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, Notch1, PD-L1, and serotonergic receptors 5-HT1B/1D), along with markers of apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. Migration was evaluated via scratch assays. Translational efficacy was validated in PDAC xenograft mouse models treated with CBG alone or in combination with Gem or Nab.

Results:
Initial cannabinoid screening using 2D and 3D assays identified CBG as the most potent anticancer compound across MIAPaCa-2, PANC-1, and PDX CCT-4IT pancreatic cancer cell lines tested, and subsequent studies revealed that CBG exhibited strong synergy with both Gem and Nab, leading to broad suppression of key oncogenic signaling networks. The combination treatments markedly downregulated p-AXL, p-PI3K/p-AKT, p-MEK/p-ERK, NF-κB, Notch1, PD-L1, and the serotonergic receptors 5-HT1B/1D (p < 0.001), indicating effective disruption of major pathways driving chemoresistance. Mechanistic analyses further showed that CBG activated three complementary modes of programmed cell death: apoptosis, evidenced by increased Cytochrome-C release; ferroptosis, demonstrated by pronounced GPX4 suppression most notable in the CBG+Gem+Nab group; and autophagy, indicated by elevated LC3B expression. In addition to these cytotoxic mechanisms, CBG-based combinations significantly inhibited cell migration. Consistent with the in vitro findings, in vivo administration of CBG (100 mg/kg) together with Gem (12.5 mg/kg), or in the triple combination with Nab (5 mg/kg), resulted in superior tumor growth suppression and significantly improved survival compared with treatments using individual agents alone. No toxicity was observed in CBG and Gem combinations. Currently studies are being conducted with PDAC organoids to further support our results.

Learning Objectives:

• The audience will be able to understand the mechanism of action of CBG in pancreatic cancer
• The synergism of CBG with gemcitabine at a low chemotherapeutic dose and its mechanisms against aggressive pancreatic cancer will also be understood

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Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) causes significant yield losses in cannabis cultivation, yet natural variation in cultivar tolerance remains poorly understood. The objective of this portion of our research was to identify molecular and transcriptomic features associated with natural HLVd tolerance in Jamaican Lion (JL) using a new chromosome-scale genome assembly and transcriptomic profiling.

To accomplish this, we scaffolded the publicly available JL genome to chromosome scale and performed comprehensive annotation using RNA-seq data from the Cannabis Pangenome Project, Cannabis Expression Atlas, and HLVd-challenged tissue samples from Medicinal Genomics. This approach captured inducibly expressed plant resistance genes often missed in standard annotations. Our updated assembly enabled precise identification of candidate resistance genes and their chromosomal context—a critical advancement over the previous contig-level JL assemblies.

Differential expression analysis of root and meristem tissues from HLVd-inoculated versus non-inoculated JL clones confirmed that HLVd localizes primarily in root tissues. We identified differentially expressed pathways including components of general pathogen defense responses and secondary metabolism. For example, in the roots of plants two weeks after HLVd inoculation, genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were enriched, suggesting a role for this secondary metabolite pathway in viroid defense.

These findings provide the first chromosome-scale genomic resource for studying HLVd tolerance in cannabis and for identifying specific molecular targets for breeding programs. Based on our analyses, natural variation in secondary metabolite production is correlated with host tolerance and may be a key factor in cultivar-specific resistance.

Learning Objectives:

• New chromosome-scale genome assembly enables precise identification of HLVd resistance genes in Jamaican Lion
• Secondary metabolite variation offers molecular targets for breeding HLVd-tolerant cultivars

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Objectives
To examine demographic, clinical, and motivational correlates of using marijuana (THC-dominant cannabis) and cannabidiol (CBD) as harm-reduction strategies for reducing alcohol consumption among adults at risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Background
Prior research has suggested that cannabis may serve as a safer or less harmful substitute for alcohol, particularly among adults seeking to reduce consumption or mitigate alcohol-related harms. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant cannabis (“marijuana”) represent distinct cannabinoid profiles that may differentially influence mood, craving, and risk behaviors. While THC-dominant products may reduce stress or craving acutely, CBD is non-intoxicating and has shown anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-craving properties in emerging preclinical and human research. The substitution of cannabis for alcohol—whether intentional or incidental—has been proposed as a harm-reduction pathway that may reduce alcohol intake, lower risk for AUD, and decrease alcohol-attributable morbidity. However, little is known about the characteristics of individuals who use cannabis or CBD for this purpose, their readiness to change drinking behavior, or the psychological and health correlates associated with these choices. This study investigated demographic, psychological, and behavioral predictors of using marijuana, CBD, or both to reduce alcohol consumption among Florida adults at elevated risk for AUD.

Method
Online surveys were distributed via Qualtrics to 451 Florida adults (≥18 years) who consumed ≥5 alcoholic drinks per week and reported any lifetime cannabis use. Measures included comorbid health conditions, alcohol use severity (AUDIT), depressive symptoms (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), posttraumatic stress symptoms (PC-PTSD), childhood trauma (ACE-Q), and readiness to change (RCQ-12). Chi-square and ANOVA examined differences across AUD risk groups and strategy groups (CBD, marijuana, both, neither). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of cannabis- and CBD-based alcohol-reduction behavior.

Results
High AUD risk (AUDIT ≥16) was found in 61.4% of men and 40.9% of women. Higher AUD risk was associated with younger age, more depressive and anxiety symptoms, higher ACE-Q scores, PTSD positivity, more comorbid conditions, and greater readiness to change (p < 0.001). Marijuana (37.9%) and CBD (32.2%) were the most frequently reported alcohol-reduction strategies, with higher AUD severity linked to greater perceived effectiveness. Age differed significantly (p < 0.001) among those who had tried CBD (x̄ = 40.6 ± 11.2), marijuana (x̄ = 41.5 ± 11.7), or both (x̄ = 39.6 ± 10.3) compared with those who tried neither (x̄ = 48.1 ± 15.3). Although 16.9% of participants identified as Hispanic, 26.6% of them reported using both CBD and marijuana for alcohol reduction. Moderate to severe depressive (p = 0.02) or anxiety (p < 0.001) symptoms were associated with trying both cannabis products, as was being in an action stage of readiness to change (p < 0.001). Predictors of marijuana use included PTSD positivity (OR = 1.76), more comorbidities (OR = 1.17), action-stage readiness (OR = 1.47), and high AUD risk (OR = 1.83). Predictors of CBD use included higher ACE-Q scores (OR = 1.14), more comorbidities (OR = 1.18), action-stage readiness (OR = 1.50), and high AUD risk (OR = 1.95).

Conclusion
Adults with greater AUD severity, trauma exposure, and comorbid mental health symptoms were more likely to experiment with cannabis-based strategies for reducing alcohol use, particularly those already motivated to change their drinking. Younger, Hispanic younger respondents and people with greater anxiety or depressive symptoms were likely to have tried both CBD- and THC-dominant products in an effort to reduce alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that there may be multiple drivers, including psychological vulnerability (e.g., trauma, PTSD, depressive/anxiety symptoms) and readiness for behavior change, that shape interest in cannabinoid substitution as a harm-reduction approach. From a public health perspective, distinguishing between THC- and CBD-dominant products is critical, as these substances may operate through different mechanisms—such as reducing craving, regulating mood, or substituting non-alcohol reward pathways. Future longitudinal and experimental studies should evaluate whether targeted cannabinoid-based interventions can provide sustainable reductions in alcohol use and related harms. By identifying key clinical and motivational predictors, this study provides a foundation for developing precision harm-reduction strategies that integrate cannabinoid pharmacology with behavioral change models to improve outcomes for individuals at elevated risk for AUD.

Learning Objectives:

• Patterns of cannabidiol and THC-dominant cannabis use as alcohol harm-reduction strategies among adults at elevated risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Key demographic, clinical, and psychological predictors that influence the likelihood of using CBD and/or THC to recue alcohol consumption

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Objective:
This work aims to determine how genomic population structure and environmentally driven developmental variability can inform a reproducible molecular lineage framework for Cannabis sativa, and how such baselines support the evaluation of targeted genome-editing approaches.

Methods:
Commercial and legacy accessions were analyzed using whole-genome resequencing (30–40× coverage), high-density SNP genotyping, and population-structure analyses. Genetic clusters were compared with common strain names and indica/sativa labels.

Genome-editing experiments used two nuclease platforms—CRISPR/Cas9 and an alternative non-Cas9 system—delivered as ribonucleoprotein complexes into de novo and callus-based regeneration pipelines. To assess editing efficiency and developmental stability, two reporter loci were targeted: a GFP insertion cassette and a loss-of-function mutation in the PDS (phytoene desaturase) gene, a standard albino reporter in plant editing. Edits were confirmed by deep amplicon sequencing and fluorescence or phenotype imaging.

Results:
Genomic analyses revealed substantial naming redundancy and polyphyly across commercial labels, although some shallow but recurrent structure aligned with certain widely used categories. Environmental treatments highlighted strong developmental plasticity, underscoring the need for genomic baselines when interpreting phenotypic outcomes.

Both nuclease systems produced consistent reporter edits. GFP-positive tissues displayed stable fluorescence across regeneration stages, and PDS knockouts generated clear albino phenotypes, indicating effective biallelic disruption. Editing frequencies and developmental behavior were similar across the two nuclease platforms, suggesting that the main limitations originate from the regeneration biology of cannabis rather than from the editors themselves.

Establishing reproducible genomic lineages provides the necessary framework for accurately interpreting edited phenotypes, allowing true editing effects to be distinguished from background genetic or environmental variability.

Conclusions
1. Genomic lineage frameworks improve biological accuracy without displacing the cultural and communicative value of traditional cultivar names.
2. Interpreting edited phenotypes requires standardized genomic references due to high developmental and environmental influences.
3. Genome editing in cannabis performs similarly across Cas9 and non-Cas9 nucleases, but predictable outcomes depend on validated genetic baselines and optimized regeneration systems.

Taken together, these results outline an integrated foundation for authentication, breeding, and precision genome engineering in Cannabis sativa.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how standardized genomic baselines enable accurate interpretation of edited phenotypes, and evaluate the advantages of gene editing over conventional breeding using current plant biotechnology platforms

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Objectives:
To develop a next-generation CBD analogue platform through rational scaffold engineering and targeted derivatization. The structural changes were designed to reduce CBD’s major liabilities of CYP inhibition, poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and hepatic concerns, while preserving the key molecular interactions responsible for its antiseizure activity. A central design principle was to achieve higher and more sustained therapeutic brain concentrations, enabling predictable pharmacokinetics and once-daily oral dosing.

Methods:
More than 50 CBD analogues were generated using a scaffold-engineering strategy guided by known metabolic hotspots and physicochemical liabilities of cannabidiol. Structural modifications were selected to improve solubility, metabolic stability, CYP interaction profiles, and off-target safety. Analogues were evaluated in vitro for solubility, microsomal stability, CYP inhibition, hepatocyte viability, and receptor-level safety screens. Lead candidates underwent in vivo plasma and brain pharmacokinetic studies in mice. Antiseizure efficacy was assessed following oral administration across three validated preclinical seizure models. Exploratory hepatic and tolerability assessments supported translational evaluation.

Results:
In vitro profiling showed that scaffold-engineered CBD analogues achieved substantial improvements in solubility, enhanced metabolic stability, and markedly reduced CYP inhibition across major isoforms, indicating a significantly lower drug–drug interaction risk. Exploratory safety assays demonstrated higher hepatocyte viability, cleaner hepatic biomarker profiles, and reduced off-target activity at cardiovascular, opioid, and cholinergic receptors, supporting a more favorable safety margin.
These in vitro gains translated into major in vivo pharmacokinetic advantages. Lead analogues produced multi-fold increases in CNS exposure (up to six-fold higher brain concentrations than CBD) and improved brain-to-plasma ratios, resulting in more sustained and therapeutically relevant brain levels. Importantly, PK profiles showed markedly lower inter-animal variability, yielding predictable exposure kinetics compatible with once-daily dosing.

Improved exposure and preserved mechanistic interactions produced greater antiseizure potency and efficacy across three validated preclinical seizure models, including the MES assay. The optimized analogues achieved robust oral efficacy at lower doses due to higher and longer-lasting therapeutic brain concentrations. Together, these improvements support a broader therapeutic index and validate the scaffold-engineering strategy as a viable route for creating drug-like cannabidiol analogues

Conclusions:
Rational synthetic derivatization and medicinal chemistry enabled the creation of next-generation CBD analogues that overcome major drug-like liabilities of cannabidiol while preserving the molecular features required for antiseizure activity. The resulting compounds show improved solubility, reduced CYP interactions, enhanced hepatic and off-target safety, and multi-fold increases in brain exposure with more predictable, once-daily pharmacokinetics. These advances produced superior oral antiseizure efficacy at lower doses and support this platform as a promising route for developing clinically viable cannabidiol-based therapeutics for refractory epilepsy.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how scaffold-engineered CBD analogues improve solubility, metabolism, CYP and safety profiles, achieve higher and longer-lasting therapeutic brain levels, and support predictable once-daily oral dosing with strong anti-seizure efficacy

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Objective:
Authenticating cannabis extracts and identifying adulteration have become critical to ensuring consumer safety and product efficacy. This study applies chiral gas chromatography (GC) to differentiate naturally derived cannabis terpenes from synthetic or plant-derived analogs, establishing chirality as a key marker of authenticity.

Methods:
Chiral GCMS was used to analyze multiple cannabis samples for enantiomeric distribution of key terpenes and cannabinoids. The method focused on the major enantiomeric pairs: (+) and (−) α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, limonene, linalool, borneol, fenchol, trans-β-caryophyllene, trans-nerolidol, and caryophyllene oxide. Comparative evaluation was conducted between authentic cannabis derived terpenes and synthetic or secondary source materials.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning the use of Chiral chromatography
• Terpene Chirality is essential for the authentication of the source
• Cannabinoid chirality plays essential roles in understanding biosynthetic pathways

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Cannabigerol (CBG) is a phytocannabinoid that has recently garnered a groundswell of media and commercial interest, although scientific literature on CBG is comparatively lacking. Current studies suggest that CBG appears to have characteristics for affinity and activity somewhere between CBD and Δ9-THC, with additional unique interactions with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A) receptors and α-2 adrenoceptors. Based on published research, there may be therapeutic potential for CBG in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, IBS, bacterial infections (such as MRSA), prostate cancer, and dental plaque. Unlike CBD, however, little in-depth research has been performed and much of what is known warrants further investigation to identify potential areas of therapeutic uses and hazards.

The first study discussed aimed to evaluate the effects of daily oral consumption of 50mg of full spectrum CBG on healthy human adults over the course of 8 weeks of treatment followed by a 4-week washout period. Researches examined changes in the Medical Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, as well as inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results indicated no significant improvements or decreases in MSQ scores, and SF-36 results similarly indicated no significant changes in quality-of-life metrics across all domains. Blood work analysis remained stable, with no significant changes detected across the study period. The results corroborate previous preclinical and clinical findings indicating CBG has a strong safety profile and should be investigated in human trials for its therapeutic potential for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The second study examined CBG supplementation in 8 patients with GI disorders over a 2-month treatment period. Because gut immunity and digestion are closely linked to the microbiome, we measured stool microbiome diversity, secretory IgA, and fecal pancreatic elastase as exploratory indicators of mucosal immune and pancreatic function. All participants underwent baseline comprehensive stool testing (Total GI™). Six patients repeated stool testing twice at 1-month intervals post-treatment; three patients repeated stool testing once at 1 month. CBG supplementation (single 50mg capsule) was given twice daily for the treatment period. Increased bacterial diversity and improved relative abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria were observed in all six patients at one month, with further diversification at two months in those who had a second follow-up. Two patients demonstrated increases in total stool IgA, and secretory IgA normalized in two additional patients. Among the four patients with baseline pancreatic elastase deficiency, three normalized, while one showed no change. The results suggest that CBG supplementation may improve gut microbiome diversity, enhance mucosal immune function, and support pancreatic exocrine activity in patients with chronic GI conditions. Given the identified connections between ASD, the gut-brain axis, and gut microbiome diversity, the third study seeks to identify what impact CBG supplementation may have on pediatric patients with autism and overall gut health. This study is currently underway, with finalized study methodology and results projected to be completed by April 2026. The study will use similar methods to the GI study, utilizing stool analysis and standard clinical data, as well as commonly used clinical reporting tools for ASD symptom assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the pharmacological profile of CBG and its differences from other cannabinoids like CBD/THC
• Evaluate the safety of CBG consumption in healthy adults based on physiological and self-reported data
• Evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of CBG related to its impact on gut health

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Meet the companies shaping the industry, grab passport stamps, and enjoy a dynamic, exhibitor-focused networking lunch.

Learning Objectives:  

• Smoking transforms pure cannabinoids into numerous new compounds
• Patented selective capture technology isolates and preserves smoke compounds for analysis
• Understanding combustion products and ‘pyrocannabinoids’ is critical for safety and testing

 
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Objective
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical condition characterized by recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain among chronic cannabis users. Despite growing recognition, its onset, clinical variability, and patient burden remain poorly defined. This study aimed to characterize patterns of cannabis use, symptom trajectories, and patient experiences to improve understanding and inform earlier recognition and management.

Methods
An anonymous, online survey was distributed through social media to individuals who reported cannabis use prior to CHS symptom onset. Respondents provided information about product types, routes, frequency of use, symptom profiles, healthcare interactions, and treatment responses. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses were thematically reviewed to identify common experiences and care barriers.

Results
A total of 1,134 respondents met inclusion criteria. Nearly all (96.5%) used cannabis daily, and 45% reported use six or more times per day before developing symptoms. Two-thirds (65.4%) had consumed cannabis for over three years before onset. Nausea and abdominal pain were the most frequent prodromal symptoms, often occurring in the morning. Women reported longer and more severe symptom cycles than men. Inhaled Δ9-THC–dominant products were most common, especially smoking and vaping.

A second phase of analysis explored the healthcare and personal burden of CHS. Participants described multiple emergency department visits, delayed diagnosis, and significant emotional and financial distress. Reported management strategies ranged from hot showers and topical capsaicin to prescription antiemetics and haloperidol, with variable effectiveness.

Conclusions
CHS predominantly affects long-term, heavy users of inhaled THC-dominant cannabis and carries considerable personal and healthcare burden. Findings highlight the need for improved provider awareness, earlier recognition, and patient-centered harm-reduction strategies. By integrating patient-reported outcomes with real-world data, this work advances clinical understanding of CHS and underscores opportunities for better education and intervention.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key signs, symptoms, and varied presentations of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

• Explain the current understanding of CHS and how recent patient survey data expand that knowledge

• Formulate focused assessment questions and communication strategies for patients afflicted with CHS

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We have whole genome sequenced over 1200 cannabis samples from 4 different tissue types to construct a microbiome prevalence map to better understand the frequency of various microbes in the cannabis plant. This has enabled a better understanding of Aspergillus tropism in the plant and the relative abundance of A.niger, A.terreus, A.flavus and A.fumigatus compared to other non-pathogenic Aspergillus like A.tamarii. To our surprise, A.tamarii is more prevalent than the pathogenic species the field currently tests for. This implies molecular tests that fail to exclude this common non-pathogenic species will have elevated false positives.

To enhance this microbiome survey we have collected Cannabis microbial testing data from 14 states and built a public dashboard that enables microbial fail rates to be understood state by state, lab by lab and across time to better understand seasonality and the epidemiology of microbial burden in the cannabis field.

Finally, we have implemented an Oxford Nanopore Sequencing pipeline that can sequence the entire genome of a 10 colonies in 24 hours. Bacterial genome like E.coli and Salmonella are assembled into a single circular contig with respective plasmids, Strain-typed with antibiotic resistance genes identified in 48 hours. DAM/DCM methylation patterns can be observed with Nanopore data providing an additional level of understanding of the active toxin gene expression.

These data are used to build more comprehensive qPCR assays for Fusarium and Pythium testing and recently identified mutations in the cannabis genomes that predict hermaphroditism in cannabis.

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Background/Objective
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants that may have therapeutic properties, but human clinical trials are needed to examine these effects as well as potential side effects. The current study was designed to examine the acute effects of CBG on psychological (anxiety, stress, mood, and memory) and physiological (pain tolerance, blood pressure, pulse, brain activity) outcomes. Additionally, we will explore whether experiences of awe and connectedness are impacted by CBG.

Methods
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was designed to investigate the effects of 50 mg of CBG relative to placebo. Specifically, 100 participants are completing two testing sessions in The Health & Cognition (THC) lab separated by a one-week wash out period. Each participant is randomly assigned to ingest either 50 mg of CBG or placebo in session one and the other product in session two. Participants provide assessments of blood pressure, pain tolerance, EEG brain activity, anxiety, stress, mood, intoxication, impairment, and side effects at multiple timepoints including after completing a survey and watching a video (T1), after completing a stress test (T2), and after completing memory tests (T3).

Results
Preliminary analyses conducted on 66 participants revealed a main effect of CBG on changes in anxiety ratings such that anxiety was reduced relative to baseline significantly more in the CBG condition than placebo condition. ​We also found a significant but subtle difference in short-term memory, with participants performing significantly better in the CBG condition relative to the placebo condition. Preliminary analyses revealed no significant effects of CBG, relative to placebo on stress, mood, awe, connectedness to nature, pain tolerance, blood pressure, or pulse. Finally, there is no evidence of impairment, intoxication, or side effects from the CBG compared to placebo.

Conclusions
The current study provides support for CBG as an anxiolytic in humans and indicates that CBG may have a subtle positive impact on memory without intoxication or impairment. This work should help inform future clinical trials and consumers of CBG.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to describe the acute effects of CBG on physiological (blood pressure, pulse, and EEG) outcomes
• Attendees will be able to identify the acute effects of CBG on psychological (anxiety, stress, mood, awe, connectedness to nature, pain tolerance) outcomes

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Learning Objectives:

• How n-butane extraction temperature changes co-extraction of epicuticular waxes in cannabis oils
• Why cannabinoid and VOC yields stay relatively stable across temperatures
• How lowering temperature reduces wax in the aerosol phase

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Introduction:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. As cannabis legalization expands, its potential impact on cardiovascular health remains poorly understood, with conflicting evidence. This study investigates the associations between cannabis use, cardiovascular risk markers, and calculated risk scores, stratified by age and product types.

Methods:
We conducted retrospective cohort study on 3,207 patients (1,069 cannabis users and 2,138 non-users) using data from electronic health records linked to cannabis dispensaries Point of Sale data from 2016-2024, using MSA de-identification, HIPAA compliant engine. We assessed ASCVD 10-year risk scores in older adults (40-79 years), and lifetime cardiovascular risk in younger adults (20-39 years) using AHA defined algorithms. We used Propensity Score Matching to balance groups, and regression models to analyze outcomes, adjusting for key covariates.

Results:
Cannabis use was associated with significant changes in cardiovascular markers, including lower systolic blood pressure (β= -4.28 mmHg, p < 0.001), higher total cholesterol (β= 7.10 mg/dL, p < 0.001), higher HDL cholesterol (β = 6.91 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and lower LDL cholesterol (β= -7.59 mg/dL, p < 0.001). In older adults, cannabis use was not significantly associated with higher 10-year CV risk (β = -1.45, p = 0.382), with age, male gender, and diabetes being the primary risk predictors. Cannabis use was significantly associated with higher odds of high lifetime cardiovascular risk in younger adults (OR = 6.71, p < 0.001). Product type and THC:CBD ratios influenced outcomes, with vapes associated with higher cardiovascular risk, while edibles and tablets/capsules showed lower risks (p < 0.001). In older adults, products with High THC or High CBD content were associated with significantly higher 10-year CV risk compared to Balanced products (p < 0.001). THC percentage was positively associated with both 10-year (β = 0.064, p < 0.001) and lifetime risk (OR = 1.013, p < 0.001), and CBD percentage was inversely associated with 10-year risk (β = -0.033, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Cannabis use affects cardiovascular risk markers, with potential cardioprotective effects on cholesterol but variable impacts on risk scores depending on age, product type, and THC:CBD ratios. Tailored recommendations considering individual cardiovascular profiles and cannabis composition are essential. Further research is needed to explore these complex relationships.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how cannabis use influences key cardiovascular risk markers
• Compare cardiovascular risk outcomes associated with different cannabis product types and THC:CBD compositions
• Evaluate the differential impact of cannabis use on CV risk in older adults and younger adults

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This presentation will discuss frequent findings from A2LA assessments to the requirements of specifically for cannabis testing laboratories. Discussion will include the challenges that arise due to the illegality of crossing state lines with ‘cannabis’ and how this may impact the testing of compliance samples. We will briefly discuss the discrepancy of sampling practices between states, including across different matrices. Discussion will include various requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and how these can be used to identify and actualize improvements instead of just ‘checking the box’. We will look at examples of certificates of analysis for basic reporting requirements and discuss the common application of simple acceptance decision rules and wrap up with the overall potential impact on results over time. This will include quotes from several qualified technical assessors of cannabis testing laboratories contracted by A2LA.

Learning Objectives:

• Through review of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 nonconformances identified over past several years during assessments of cannabis testing laboratories-participants will learn what IS and IS NOT required through discussion of common findings and their potential implications
• Explore best practice & opportunities for improvements as opposed to just checking the box with examples specific to cannabis will be covered- Audience will learn that in some cases, while a laboratory could be fully compliant in one area, there could still be a significant opportunity for improvement
• For consumers, there should be a better understanding of product labels and certificate of analysis, for processors and manufacturers, there should be a better understanding of 3rd party laboratory vetting tactics, for laboratories, there should be a better understanding of focus areas for internal audits.

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Introduction:
Sleep disturbances affect up to 80% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often presenting as difficulty falling or staying asleep, fragmented sleep, and reduced total sleep time. These problems exacerbate behavioral dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and caregiver stress. Conventional therapies such as melatonin or sedatives offer limited and inconsistent benefit. Medicinal cannabis; particularly formulations containing cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); has emerged as a potential alternative for improving sleep and quality of life in this population. This study evaluates the 18-month efficacy and safety of individualized medicinal cannabis treatment for sleep disturbances in children with ASD.

Materials and Methods:
This longitudinal observational study followed 56 pediatric patients (ages 3–17 years) with a confirmed ASD diagnosis. Participants received cannabis formulations with varying CBD:THC ratios (1:1, 3:1, 4:1, 20:1), using tinctures or gummies. Doses ranged from THC 1.25–5 mg twice daily, adjusted based on clinical response and tolerance. Sleep data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 18 months using caregiver-reported measures and validated sleep questionnaires. Primary outcomes included total sleep time (TST), sleep onset and maintenance, and overall quality of sleep (QoS). Secondary outcomes assessed quality of life (QoL) for children and caregivers, side effects, and treatment tolerance. Paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA were used for analysis.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess long-term sleep outcomes of medicinal cannabis in children with autism
• Review safety, tolerance, and caregiver-reported effects over 18 months
• Explore individualized cannabinoid use in pediatric sleep management

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From lakeside games to casual adventure stations, Camp CannMed blends play and connection before dinner.

Enjoy a relaxed outdoor dinner, then gather fireside for s’mores under the Tahoe sky.

Sponsored By:

Join Dr. Sulak for a gentle morning practice designed to restore body and mind after the conference. Drawing from yoga, chi kung, and osteopathy, this all-levels session features simple movements and awareness practices. Participants may enhance the experience with complimentary Healer hemp gummies as they reconnect, recharge, and share a mindful farewell with CannMed colleagues.