The Cannabis Research Institute in Chicago is now open, with the goal of exploring how cannabis may help or harm those who use it.
The institute, first announced around 18 months ago, is focusing on marijuana’s medical applications, including the potential use of cannabis for cancer treatment. Additionally, the institute will assist in developing a state reference lab to verify the accuracy of commercial cannabis testing and investigate a virus threatening marijuana crops, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Reggie Gaudino, director of the institute, is leading the charge with a $7 million grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services. Gaudino, who holds a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and biochemistry, previously worked with companies like Charlotte’s Web, known for its CBD products. He hopes to bring similar success to his current research, which aims to determine if certain cannabis strains can treat various medical conditions.
Although construction on the institute’s permanent headquarters is delayed until 2027, the team is operating out of a former COVID-19 testing lab at the Illinois Medical Center. The lab’s state-of-the-art DNA sequencing equipment, initially used for pandemic testing, is now being repurposed for cannabis research.
Gaudino’s team is also searching for solutions to hop latent viroid, a virus that has devastated cannabis crops. Additionally, the institute will work to establish a reference lab to check for discrepancies in potency and contaminant levels, as past studies have found inconsistencies in private lab reports.
In a push to further its research, the institute is seeking collaborations with Northern Illinois University and other organizations. Gaudino also plans to apply for waivers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to use locally grown cannabis for research. The potential rescheduling of marijuana at the federal level could accelerate research efforts.
Dr. Sue Sisley, a prominent cannabis researcher, commended Illinois for investing in cannabis research but cautioned that federal regulations could slow progress. “It’s important to do real-world studies in humans to advance questions people have about how to use cannabis,” she said.
With federal restrictions gradually loosening, Gaudino and his team are optimistic about making meaningful contributions to cannabis science.
