CannMed24 Event Review: 12 Things You Missed at CannMed 24

NEW YORK-CannMed 24 has set a new benchmark in the cannabis industry, offering unparalleled insights, networking opportunities, and a unique experience. Here are a dozen highlights certain to stir up a whole bunch of FOMO for CannMed 25. From the quality of the speakers to the depth of research, CannMed provides wisdom and connections you won’t find anywhere else.

The discussions at the summit underscored cannabis’s versatility and value, showcasing its potential to transform industries, revitalize communities, and provide relief to those who need it most. Circle CannMed 25 on your calendar for next year, and in the meantime, explore hundreds of past CannMed presentations in our searchable CannMed Video Archive Library. Enjoy!

1. Landmark Decision in Cannabis Nursing
In a groundbreaking move, the American Nursing Association recognized a new subspecialty: cannabis nursing. Our six-member Nursing Panel kicked off the event, focusing on patient advocacy, education, and product formulation. The American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) hosted a breakfast panel discussion the following morning focused on answering “Who is the Cannabis Nurse?”

Famed Cannabis Advocate, Dr. Bonni Goldstein addresses the participants at CannMed24

2. Legalization Panel: Preparing for Change
What could have been more timely than a panel of scientists, legal experts, and cannabis industry executives addressing the upcoming changes that rescheduling will bring? One of CannMed’s most popular sessions, the Legalization Panel, explored economic prospects, research implications, and regulatory changes expected from rescheduling and beyond. The panel discussed several pending actions related to cannabis, including the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act), and the States Reform Act of 2023.

3. Regulatory Insights: Making Sense of New Rules
Our Regulatory Panel discussion, titled “Regulations that Make Sense and Kill Monsters,” was as compelling as it was informative. Panelists, including members of the regulatory community and quality standards organizations, laid out frameworks for effective regulations to eliminate the problem of lab shopping. Dr. Sherman Hom, Medicinal Genomics Director of Regulatory Affairs, provided a comprehensive review of how the patchwork of state regulations affects cannabis product quality. His three-year compendium of state regulations and recalls revealed how ineffective and substandard regulations can harm consumers, cultivators, and the industry’s reputation.

4. Medical Practicum Returns with Industry All-Stars
The CannMed Medical Practicum made a triumphant return this year, delivering a 6-hour workshop filled with the latest medical research practice guidelines, and clinical experiences from our renowned team of medical cannabis experts: Dr. Dustin Sulak, Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, Dr. Ethan Russo, and Nurse Practitioner Eloise Theisen.

Terel Newton Medical Director Florida for Trulieve chats to another medical professional at CannMed24

5. Capital Markets Workshop: Bigger and Better
The Capital Markets Workshop was bigger and better than ever, brimming with discussions on intellectual property, innovations in cultivation, cannabis-derived molecules, and more. Our panel, which included venture capitalists, researchers, industry thought leaders, and legal experts, provided ample food for thought, making it one of the most well-attended sessions.

6. Cultivation Panel: The Art and Science of Growing
The cannabis plant is one of Mother Nature’s most prolific and resilient creations. With over 900 different compounds and the ability to grow almost anywhere, cultivation has become a blend of art, science, experience, and maybe even a little magic. Participants of the Cultivation Panel received valuable insights on driving profitability and improving yield, covering topics such as crop steering, genetics, lighting, and nutrients.

7. Laboratory Testing: Navigating Complex Issues
Jini Glaros, CSO of Modern Canna, led the Laboratory Testing Panel, guiding attendees through the sector’s most complex issues. The discussion included testing for solvents, terpenes, product quality and potency, and the challenges of running a cannabis testing lab.

8. Pharmaceutical R&D: New Opportunities on the Horizon
With the prospect of rescheduling closer than ever, pharmaceutical R&D departments are poised to fully engage in cannabis-based drug development. Our first-ever Pharmaceutical Panel discussed the implications for investment, cultivation, formulation, delivery, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.

9. Hop Latent Viroid: The Cannabis Industry’s Most Destructive Plant Pathogen
Hop latent viroid (HLVd) is the major threat to cannabis producers, yet we’re just beginning to study the pathogen. Zamir Punja, Ph.D., and Jeanmarie Verchot, Ph.D., presented the very latest research on this most insidious pest, how it spreads, how to detect it, and its many destructive effects.

10. Yes, There Are Endotoxins in Cannabis
Medicinal Genomics founder and CSO, Kevin McKernan, explained the disturbing presence of endotoxins in cannabis flower samples, and how remediation techniques may mask the problem. McKernan’s presentation is just the latest example of how Medicinal Genomics applies its genomics expertise to ensure the safety of cannabis products.

11. Clinical Trials: The Backbone of Cannabis-Based Pharma
Dr. Hunter Land, VP of R&D at Biopharmaceutical Research Company, demonstrated the importance of rigorously designed clinical trials. He presented late-breaking research on the efficacy, safety, and specificity of standardized cannabis formulations.

12. CRISPR Editing Comes to Cannabis
Having successfully transformed soybeans, alfalfa, and other crops, Michael Petersen, Sr. Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Crop Innovation Center, showcased the center’s work on editing the CBDAS gene in cannabis sativa. Their research describes a whole new world of crop engineering and what’s in store for cannabis and the benefits of this technology.

These talks and much more—including Dr. Hang Ma on the anti-inflammatory effects of non-cannabinoid phytochemicals in hemp and Dr. Genester Wilson-King’s examination of endometriosis as an endocannabinoid deficiency condition—can be found in the CannMed Archives. Sign up for updates here and get email notifications when presentations become available. For more information on Medicinal Genomics, the company behind CannMed, please visit www.medicinalgenomics.com.

Main Image: Group Photo of a few of the participants at CannMed24 held recently in Florida. Images courtesy of CannMed24. All Rights Reserved ©CannMed24 is the originator of this content.