Featured Member

There are many factors that have fueled my long-standing interest in cannabinoid research. Initially, I was drawn to its potential in addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in pain management, oncology, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions. Through volunteer work, I witnessed the effects of medical cannabis on patients' lives, which deepened my commitment to research and product safety. My interest became a near obsession around 2003 when I learned to use databases and scientific search engines to access research articles. The sheer volume of information was overwhelming, but the field's novelty and accessibility to pioneering scientists were inspiring. I had the privilege of meeting many of these scientists and completed my PhD work in the laboratory of Mary Abood, PhD. Though my family and friends were skeptical, fearing this interest might hinder my career, cannabis science has opened more doors for me than I could have imagined.

I hold a PhD in cell biology with a focus on the mechanisms of cannabinoid actions. For over a decade have conducted and published research related to the endocannabinoid system, which includes cannabinoid receptors, vanilloid receptors such as TRP channels, stem cells, and other targets of cannabinoids. I have been deeply involved in cannabis and cannabinoid research for many years, contributing numerous articles and studies to the field, including both basic and clinical research. I work with respected clinicians in the field, as well as with dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, researchers, regulatory agencies, scientific societies, legal groups, and standards organizations. Throughout my career, I have held various positions in research, education, and policy. I have served as the Chief Science Officer for several companies and organizations, providing scientific guidance and expertise. Additionally, I have played a key role in developing standards and best practices for cannabis cultivation, extraction, and testing. I have co-founded research institutes and participated in entrepreneurial ventures.

I am working on several projects, including a data collection platform for cannabis and hemp-related experiences and adverse events (BudsInfo), as well as an education platform called Cerium. With Cerium, we are exploring the effects of various educational interventions and their impact on clinicians' knowledge and attitudes. Among the exciting research projects in the pipeline is a multiagency endeavor to analyze illicit, unregulated, and regulated cannabis/hemp products, alongside a cultivation research project with the University of Mississippi. Additionally, I am thrilled about the launch of a book series called Cannabis Innovations in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Peterson. I used to focus on therapeutic applications, but with the availability of degrees in cannabis therapeutics, there is no shortage of people with a baseline understanding in this area. My focus has now shifted to unwanted experiences of cannabis, adverse events, and risks. As product diversification explodes with new or rare cannabinoids being added to increasingly complex formulations—estimated at over 1 million different products—the odds of observing new side effects or health effects have increased. I find this area to be an intriguingly complex field of investigation.

I remember when the SCC was founded; I was still living in San Francisco at the time. SCC has stood out as a pioneer in bringing together health professionals to discuss science and clinical experiences in a supportive setting. Many years ago, they asked me to give a talk about my oncology research, and it was a great experience. I find members of SCC to be open to exploring data and facts about cannabis, unafraid to follow the truth wherever it leads.

I hope that someday we can make informed benefit/risk decisions about each cannabis product. Currently, we lack comprehensive knowledge about the long-term effects of most cannabis products. I estimate that there are millions of cannabinoid product variants, yet we focus on only a tiny fraction of what is possible. There is a strong drive in most of us to remain optimistic, believing that one day there will be ample funding for all types of scientific explorations into cannabis and cannabinoids. The industry must create opportunities for researchers; otherwise, it will continue to suffer from brain drain and a lack of talent development. I've been battling the urge to leave this volatile and underfunded field for the more secure realm of pharma, where dedicated funding for creating unique therapies is more readily available. Despite the challenges and the snake pit of obstacles, I remain committed to this path, hoping for a brighter future in cannabis research.

I enjoy reading a lot but also need a lot of physical activity to be happy. I have enjoyed swimming in the ocean, bike riding, and soccer my whole life. Over the last several years, a friend got me into taking various martial arts classes, everything from jiu-jitsu to tai chi. Thanks to my background in anatomy and biology, I've had opportunities to teach and conduct various classes alongside world-class instructors. Chances are if you see me at a research conference, I will also be dropping by a local dojo. And if you’ve read this far, you might be interested in my cannabinerd blog at: https://www.marcuenterprises.com/cannabinerd-blog