Northern Michigan University will host the 2025 Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference on April 22 at the Northern Center in Marquette.
The one-day event will bring together educators, researchers, students, industry professionals and policymakers to explore advancements in cannabis education, science and business.
Organized by NMU’s Cannabis Programs, the conference is focused on fostering progress through open dialogue and the exchange of ideas. It will feature presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to support collaboration among stakeholders across the Great Lakes region and beyond.
A highlight of this year’s conference is the keynote presentation by Dr. Iain W. H. Oswald, Director of Research and Development at Abstrax Tech. His talk, titled “Deciphering the Complex Phytochemistry of Cannabis: From Plant to Extracts,” will explore the chemical makeup of cannabis and how specific compounds influence aroma and quality. Dr. Oswald’s research plays a central role in defining and mapping the unique chemical profiles that distinguish various strains.
In addition to the keynote, the conference will feature experts from academic institutions, licensed cannabis businesses and research labs. Topics will range from cultivation and breeding to regulatory policy and emerging career pathways. NMU students and faculty will also present findings from their cannabis-related research, reflecting the university’s investment in academic innovation and real-world applications.
The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a networking reception. Attendance is free and open to the public, though registration is required.
This year marks a continued effort by Northern Michigan University to support cannabis education through its pioneering academic programs, which include undergraduate degrees in Medicinal Plant Chemistry and Indoor Agriculture. The conference is part of the university’s broader mission to connect scientific research with practical opportunities in the growing cannabis industry.
More information, including registration details and the full schedule, click here.
