University of Mississippi launches national cannabis research center

In April 2025, the University of Mississippi announced that it would lead the new Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) as part of a collaborative effort with several national health organizations. This initiative follows a recent grant partnership established with the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which aims to enhance cannabis research capabilities across the United States. The center will be based within the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) and is intended to facilitate the gathering of evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis through various outreach methods such as an interactive website, webinars, and conferences. A significant feature of the R3CR is its provision of regulatory guidance, which is essential due to the complex legal landscape surrounding cannabis research. Mahmoud ElSohly, a research professor at UM and the director of the UM Marijuana Project, will oversee this aspect, aided by Robert Welch, the director of the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education. ElSohly emphasized the necessity for researchers and administrators to fully understand regulatory requirements to comply effectively with both federal and state laws. This guidance is particularly vital in the current climate of evolving cannabis legislation. The establishment of the center comes in the wake of changes aimed at expanding research capabilities in the field of medical cannabis. Notably, in 2022, President Biden signed The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, which seeks to streamline the process for researchers studying cannabis for medical applications, ensuring a consistent supply of research-grade cannabis. With these supports in place, the R3CR aims to promote more rigorous scientific inquiry into the therapeutic benefits and potential applications of cannabis compounds. Ikhlas Khan, director of the NCNPR, highlighted the unique opportunity this center represents for advancing research in cannabis, noting that it could eventually lead to the development of evidence-based products focused on quality, safety, and efficacy. The collaboration with multiple NIH partners, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Cancer Institute, underscores a collective interest in establishing standardized methodologies for cannabis research. The hope is that the new resource center will not only enhance understanding of cannabis and its therapeutic effects but also help in shaping future policies and standards for cannabis research in the country.