Society of Cannabis Clinicians

SCC Quarterly Meeting: Exploring Evidence-Based Cannabis Treatment Algorithms with CannaKeys
2025-03-26 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Denver)
About
Join us to hear from SCC partner, CannaKeys. The CannaKeys team strives to demystify the emerging field of the cannabinoid health sciences and reinforce the proper pathways for patient care utilizing cannabis and related therapies. They do this by creating platforms that offer easy access to the published science, aggregated critical data points, and guidance to practitioners and patients to ask the right questions and achieve optimal results more quickly.
Event Description:
The increasing use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes presents both opportunities and challenges for clinicians. From a harm reduction perspective and a commitment to generating optimal patient outcomes, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to access reliable, evidence-based information on cannabinoid-based therapies—particularly for chronic conditions that respond inadequately to conventional treatments.
In this interactive Zoom session, we will explore CannaKeys’ condition-specific treatment algorithms, grounded in the latest scientific evidence and designed to enhance clinical decision-making. We will examine their utility and limitations in evaluating patients, customizing cannabinoid-based therapies, and addressing practical considerations in clinical practice.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A discussion to foster a conversational atmosphere, allowing participants to share insights, ask questions, and engage in dialogue about the integration of evidence-based cannabis therapeutics in clinical care.
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Bios:
Uwe Blesching, PhD
With nearly 20 years of experience in emergency medical services at the San Francisco Department of Public Health (Paramedic Division), Dr. Uwe Blesching, Ph.D., offers invaluable insights into how the choices we make and the drugs we take—both pharmaceutical and recreational—impact the body, mind, and spirit. He is the author of several acclaimed works, including The Cannabis Health Index (3rd edition), Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Addiction, and Your Cannabis CBD: THC Ratio (2nd edition). Challenging conventional views on the war on drugs, Dr. Blesching’s research and expertise highlight the potential of mind-altering plants and practices, when approached through evidence-based frameworks, to play a vital role in preventing and treating chronic conditions. He is also the co-founder and chief science officer at CannaKeys, where he continues to bridge science, wellness, and innovation.

Dave Rosenthal, MFA
David Rosenthal is Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of CannaKeys, where he develops innovative tools to help researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients navigate the science of the endocannabinoid system. Converting complex scientific data into user-friendly applications, David has been instrumental in establishing CannaKeys as a reliable platform for evidence-based insights into the ECS and cannabis therapeutics.

CannaConnect: April Members Call -- Hosted by SCC President Dr. Stephen Robinson
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
﻿Welcome to our members-only event series, CannaConnect!
You are invited to attend the April meeting, hosted by SCC President, Dr. Stephen Robinson, for a conversational gathering to meet and network with other members.
Join us to ask any questions you might have about seeking resources in the medical cannabis space. Each month of CannaConnect is hosted by a member of the SCC Board of Directors and will offer an interactive blend of networking, clinical case discussions, and the latest in cannabis news. You are invited to come connect with fellow SCC members, find or offer mentorship, share insights on clinical practices, and welcome new members to our thriving community.
Thank you for being part of the Society!
Register

CannaConnect: May Members Call -- Cannabis Pharmacy (Hosted by Dr. Bobby Vincent III)
2025-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Welcome to our members-only event series, CannaConnect!
You are invited to attend the May meeting, hosted by SCC Board Member, Dr. Bobby Vincent III, for a conversational gathering to meet and network with other members. This meeting will focus on the role of pharmacists in the medical cannabis industry. Please join to contribute your perspective, share updates with the group, and bring any questions that you would like addressed.
Each month of CannaConnect is hosted by a member of the SCC Board of Directors and will offer an interactive blend of networking, clinical case discussions, and the latest in cannabis news. You are invited to come connect with fellow SCC members, find or offer mentorship, share insights on clinical practices, and welcome new members to our thriving community.
Thank you for being part of the Society!
Register

CannaConnect: June Members Call -- Cannabis & Cancer (Hosted by Dr. Katia Tonkin)
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
﻿﻿
Welcome to our members-only event series, CannaConnect!
You are invited to attend the June meeting, hosted by SCC Board Member Dr. Katia Tonkin, for a conversational gathering to meet and network with other members. This meeting will focus on cannabis and cancer. Please join to contribute your perspective, share updates with the group, and bring any questions that you would like addressed.
Each month of CannaConnect is hosted by a member of the SCC Board of Directors and will offer an interactive blend of networking, clinical case discussions, and the latest in cannabis news. You are invited to come connect with fellow SCC members, find or offer mentorship, share insights on clinical practices, and welcome new members to our thriving community.
Thank you for being part of the Society!
Register

SCC Quarterly Meeting: The Untold Story of SCC's Activist Legacy
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us to hear from Dr. Jeffrey Hergenrather and Fred Gardner, founding members of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC). This special event will explore the grassroots movement that ignited clinician activism for cannabis as medicine, leading to the formation of SCC. Through firsthand accounts, attendees will gain insight into the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the medical cannabis landscape. We invite you all to come along with us for an inspiring journey into the untold history of SCC and its enduring impact on patient care, policy, and scientific progress.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A discussion to foster a conversational atmosphere, allowing participants to share insights, ask questions, and engage in dialogue about the past and future of the medical cannabis movement.
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CannaConnect: July Members Call -- Integrative Approaches to Cannabis (Hosted by Dr. Patricia Frye)
2025-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Welcome to our members-only event series, CannaConnect!
You are invited to attend the July meeting, hosted by SCC Board Member Dr. Patricia Frye, for a conversational gathering to meet and network with other members. This meeting will focus on integrative approaches to optimize cannabis therapeutics. Please join to contribute your perspective, share updates with the group, and bring any questions that you would like addressed.
Each month of CannaConnect is hosted by a member of the SCC Board of Directors and will offer an interactive blend of networking, clinical case discussions, and the latest in cannabis news. You are invited to come connect with fellow SCC members, find or offer mentorship, share insights on clinical practices, and welcome new members to our thriving community.
Thank you for being part of the Society!
Register

2025 National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium
2025-09-19 08:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
2025 National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium
9/19-21, 2025
University Denver Sturm College of Law
2255 E. Evans Ave. Denver, Colorado 80210
As of now, medical marijuana is legalized in 40 states, with an additional 24 states, along with D.C., Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and various Tribal nations, enacting laws permitting adult use of marijuana. Numerous other states are exploring legislation and referenda to legalize recreational marijuana in 2025.
These evolving legal shifts are profoundly influencing our legal system, families, and society at large. They present a dynamic and occasionally intricate terrain for a multitude of professions, including Law Enforcement, Judiciary, Legal Practitioners, Specialty Court Experts, Scientific Community, Drug and Alcohol Testing Sector, Academia, Cannabis Industry as well as Employment and Human Resource Associations & Organizations.
Our Symposium is a platform to bring together these diverse disciplines, each offering unique perspectives. Through education and collaboration, NICS, a 501C3, seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of cannabis-related issues across disciplines.
Attendees can expect to engage in insightful discussions and networking opportunities, as the symposium aims to bridge gaps between different fields of study and the evolving cannabis industry. Participants will have the chance to learn from distinguished speakers and industry leaders, making it an essential event for anyone interested in the multifaceted aspects of cannabis education. We warmly invite you to join us and engage in this enriching event!
The proceeds generated from the Symposium will cover operational costs and serve as seed funding for future endeavors. Any surplus funds will be donated to 501(C)(3) organizations.
Through initiatives such as scholarships for law students (anyone interested please download the scholarship application here send an email to nicsstudentscholarship@gmail.com) and assistance with speaker travel expenses, we endeavor to foster accessibility.
Register

SCC 3rd Annual Medical Cannabis Conference
2025-10-24 13:00 - 2025-10-25 17:00 (America/Denver)
SCC 3rd Annual Medical Cannabis Conference
October 24 (1pm Mountain Time) – October 25 (5pm Mountain Time)
This year’s two-day event will bring together the brightest minds and leading experts across the medical cannabis industry for a two days of education, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, patient advocate, researcher, or industry leader, this event is designed to empower you with the latest insights, research, and best practices in medical cannabis.
What to Expect at MedCannCon25:

Keynote presentations from renowned medical cannabis experts
Panel discussions on cutting-edge research, patient care, and industry trends
Networking opportunities with professionals and advocates in the field
Exhibitors from across the industry
And more!

Details
Where: Tivoli Turnhall at Auraria Campus (Denver, CO)
When: October 24-25, 2025
Registration Now Open!
Stay tuned for early bird discounts and exclusive opportunities to secure your spot at this premier event.
We can’t wait to see you in Denver for what promises to be our most impactful MedCannCon yet! Together, we can continue to advance education, advocacy, and access in the medical cannabis community.
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A Century of Advocacy & Care: Experts Respond to Federal Hemp THC Limits
2025-12-18 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Experts Discuss New Regulatory Pathways
Three of the nation’s leading cannabis advocacy and patient-care organizations—the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML, founded 1970), the Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC, founded 1999), and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP, founded 1995)—are coming together for a timely public webinar in response to recent federal changes impacting hemp-derived THC. With over a century of combined experience advancing sensible cannabis policy, patient protections, and evidence-informed clinical care, this panel will offer a clear, grounded conversation about what’s changing, what it means, and what comes next.
Each organization will share a concise 10–15 minute recap of key highlights and takeaways from their recent briefings and community updates, followed by a moderated Q&A panel where participants can ask questions and hear multiple perspectives in one place.
Attendees can expect:

Plain-language context on the federal hemp THC limits and their significance.
Practical implications for patient access, product availability, safety, and counseling.
Advocacy priorities and consumer-facing guidance from each organization.
A collaborative, solutions-oriented discussion to guide collective action in 2026.
Join us for an informed, community-centered conversation that reflects the strength of our diversity—different angles, complementary expertise, and a shared commitment to responsible policy and patient care.

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Rooted in Evidence: SCC’s Holiday Research Showcase
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join the Society of Cannabis Clinicians for a special end-of-year webinar and festive social gathering—ugly Christmas sweaters encouraged.
We’ll be unveiling our latest project, which tackles one of the biggest misunderstandings in modern medicine: Rooted in Evidence: Cannabis, Pharmaceuticals, and the Case for Reform.
This session breaks down why botanical, whole-plant therapeutics fundamentally don’t fit into the FDA’s traditional pharmaceutical pathway, how this mismatch has shaped policy and clinical access, and why the limitations of the pharma framework do not diminish the legitimacy, efficacy, or scientific rigor of cannabis medicine.
You’ll learn:
How the unique complexity of whole-plant cannabis challenges single-compound pharmaceutical standards
Why the FDA drug-development pathway is structurally incompatible with multi-molecule botanicals
What this means for research, evidence generation, clinical practice, and patient access
How SCC’s new project provides a roadmap for responsible clinical integration outside the pharmaceutical paradigm
After the presentation, stay for our virtual Ugly Christmas Sweater Social where clinicians, researchers, and advocates can connect, share insights, and celebrate the close of another transformational year in cannabis medicine.
Knowledge, community, and questionable holiday fashion—all in one event.
*Open to SCC members and the broader medical cannabis community.*
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January Journal Club - A Puff Before a Pour: Dose-Dependent Effects of Cannabis on Drinking (Host: Jahan Marcu @ Cerium)
2026-01-06 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
About
A Puff Before a Pour: Dose-Dependent Effects of Cannabis on Drinking
Event Description:
This month’s journal club will examine a landmark randomized controlled crossover trial exploring how smoked cannabis affects alcohol craving and consumption under controlled laboratory conditions. With the rise of THC beverages, “Cali sober” trends, and increasing co-use of cannabis and alcohol, this study provides some of the strongest causal evidence to date on whether THC increases or decreases drinking. We will review the study’s design, outcomes, and implications for clinical practice, harm-reduction counseling, and public health messaging.
Key takeaway: Smoking cannabis with THC (3.1% and 7.2%) significantly reduced alcohol consumption by 19–27% compared to placebo, with nuanced effects on craving and urge.
Featured Article:
Metrik J, Aston ER, Gunn RL, Swift R, MacKillop J, Kahler CW.
Acute Effects of Cannabis on Alcohol Craving and Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2025; XX:1–9.
DOI: TBA.
Speakers:
Phil Molloy, MD – Clinical education expert
Teresa Simon, MPH – Public health epidemiologist
Len Kamen, MD – Clinical pain specialist
Jahan Marcu, PhD – Cannabis researcher
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SCC CannaConnect Roundtable: Patient-Reported Outcomes (January)
2026-01-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
About
Welcome to our members-only monthly event series, CannaConnect Roundtable!
This month is hosted by E.R.I.C. Cancer Playbook, powered by Whole Health Oncology Institute on the topic of patient-reported outcomes.
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs)—what patients tell us about their symptoms, function, and quality of life—are transforming how we evaluate cancer care and integrative therapies, including medical cannabis. PROs can capture real-world benefits and harms that often don’t show up in traditional clinician-reported measures or survival endpoints, and they are increasingly used alongside randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to guide care.
This interactive discussion hour is designed for clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates who want to use patient voice and real-world data to inform safer, more effective, and more person-centered cannabis care in oncology.
Each month of CannaConnect is hosted by a member of the SCC and will offer an interactive blend of networking, clinical case discussions, and the latest in cannabis news. You are invited to come connect with fellow SCC members, find or offer mentorship, share insights on clinical practices, and welcome new members to our thriving community.
Thank you for being part of the Society!
Register

SCC Quarterly Meeting: Leveraging Social Science for Social Progress on Psychedelics (Abel Gustafson, PhD & Matt Goldberg, PhD)
2026-03-04 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
About
Psychedelic therapies are becoming more visible in both clinical research and public discourse, and patients often look to cannabis clinicians for trustworthy, evidence-based insights. While cannabis and psychedelics are distinct modalities, they share overlapping patient populations, therapeutic goals, and sociopolitical challenges. As these treatments gain momentum, clinicians must be prepared to discuss them responsibly, dispel common myths, and stay informed about emerging evidence. In alignment with the SCC’s mission to share clinical knowledge and promote best practices in cannabinoid medicine, this session offers essential context to help clinicians navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Description:
There has been a significant resurgence in clinical and public interest in the ability of psychedelics to treat mental illness and generate meaningful personal experiences. However, there are still formidable barriers in public perception that could thwart progress in policy, research, and therapeutic uses. These barriers include people’s beliefs and (mis)understanding of psychedelics, persistent myths about them, and a lack of understanding of their uses and benefits. XandY, an independent research and strategy firm, conducted a nationally-representative study of the US public to understand how Americans think about psychedelics and which policies they support regarding their use. In this presentation, XandY co-founders will present those findings and discuss strategies for designing communication efforts that can cultivate public support for psychedelic research, therapies, and decriminalization in the United States.
Bios:
Matthew Goldberg, Ph.D.
Dr. Matthew Goldberg is one of the world’s leading scientific experts on persuasion, human behavior, and public opinion. He has developed custom research insights for tech companies, media companies, political figures, and nonprofits, and has published dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology and is a faculty research scientist at Yale University.
Abel Gustafson, Ph.D.
Dr. Abel Gustafson is one of the world’s leading scientific experts on social psychology and communication strategy. He has provided research solutions and strategic consulting for multi-national corporations, tech startups, media networks, political figures, and NGOs, and has published dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies. After earning his Ph.D., he joined Yale University to conduct research on communication strategies related to science, sustainability, and emerging tech. He is a professor of public relations at the University of Cincinnati.
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SCC Quarterly Meeting: Navigating Integrative Cancer Care: Cannabis, Psychedelics & Supportive Therapies (Stacy D’Andre, MD, Mayo Clinic)
2026-06-24 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
About
Join us for an insightful presentation by Dr. Stacy D’Andre, a board‐certified oncologist at Mayo Clinic with a dedicated focus on integrative oncology, including the safe and evidence‐informed use of medical cannabis and medicinal mushrooms.
In this session, Dr. D’Andre will:

Provide an update on her recent research efforts in medical cannabis for oncology‐related symptom management—such as her pilot randomized placebo‐controlled trial of topical cannabidiol for chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy.
Explore emerging work and considerations around psychedelic therapies in the context of cancer care and supportive medicine—highlighting the overlap in patient populations, clinical questions, and integrative care frameworks.
Discuss the practical implications for clinicians: how to address patient inquiries about cannabis or psychedelic‐adjunctive therapies, integrate conversations into care plans, evaluate the growing body of evidence, and incorporate best practices in an evolving regulatory and clinical landscape.

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SCC Quarterly Meeting: Emerging Insights from Alzheimer’s Research (Duncan Mackie, PhD)
2026-09-02 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
﻿About
Speaker:
Duncan Mackie, PhD, Director of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, MedPharm Holdings
Event Description:
Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most challenging neurodegenerative conditions to treat, and interest is growing in how cannabinoids might modulate key pathways involved in its progression. MedPharm Holdings, a Denver-based cannabis research and formulation development company, has focused its R&D program on neuropharmacology—particularly Alzheimer’s disease and dementia—leveraging one of Colorado’s first cannabis research licenses and a federal Schedule I research license to systematically study cannabis-derived compounds.
In this presentation, Dr. Duncan Mackie will share emerging findings from his ongoing work conducted in collaboration with academic partners through Colorado State University’s Institute of Cannabis Research. This project investigates how specific phytocannabinoids may influence Alzheimer’s-related mechanisms, with an emphasis on neuroinflammation, neuronal health, and potential disease-modifying pathways.
Bio:
Dr. Duncan I. Mackie is the Director of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics at Bud & Mary’s, where he leads innovative research in drug discovery, cellular and molecular biology, and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. His work focuses on their interactions with the endocannabinoid system, with the goal of identifying novel drug targets and developing new treatments for complex diseases. He is one of only a small number of investigators in the United States to hold a Federal DEA Schedule I Researcher license to study cannabis and cannabinoids, which uniquely positions his laboratory to advance translational research in this rapidly evolving field.
A recognized leader in cannabis research, Dr. Mackie has established a rigorous, externally funded research program focused on the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating immune function during the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His wide-ranging research interests span all areas of cannabis and cannabinoid research, from development of analytical and regulatory testing methods, investigations into label compliance and quality standards, cellular and mechanistic studies of cannabinoid signaling, creation of biosensors and high-throughput pharmacology assays, and the design of advanced preclinical models of neuroinflammation. He is also actively involved in clinical translation research, contributing to FDA-approved clinical trials.
Dr. Mackie has published in leading journals including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Journal of Experimental Medicine, and he is an inventor on multiple patents arising from his discoveries. He is a sought-after speaker and lecturer on cannabis and science-related topics at various conferences and events, and he mentors students and trainees through his role as a Graduate Faculty member in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Additionally, he is the Chair of the Cannabis Program Advisory Board at the Community College of Denver and as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Cannabis Research, reflecting his dedication to advancing cannabis science through both education and scholarly publishing.
He earned his B.S. in Mathematics from the University of the Cumberlands and his Ph.D. in Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry from the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics Department at the University of Iowa School of Pharmacy and completed his postdoctoral research in the Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
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