This week at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House at the University of Utah was buzzing with some of the brightest minds in cannabis research. The Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) 2025 Symposium brought together researchers, medical professionals, and industry workers—from seed to harvest—to explore groundbreaking advancements in cannabis science.
I’ve been waiting the five years since cannabis became legal in Utah to see this kind of collaboration finally happen. In a state that’s been slow to embrace cannabis, having experts of this caliber come together feels like a big deal. This symposium pulled in an incredible lineup of thought leaders, all working to push the future of medical cannabis policy, research, and patient care forward. Huge credit goes to Valerie Ahanonu, Senior Manager, who made it all happen, with solid support from Sam Weeks, event and communications manager, who helped pull everything together behind the scenes.
I have a feeling that those of us who thought we had cannabis all figured out are about to learn a whole lot more.
Stoners Aren’t Lazy After All?
One of the biggest takeaways from the symposium came during Ray Merrill’s presentation, which turned the outdated ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype completely on its head. His research revealed that cannabis consumers—whether medical patients or adult-use consumers—are actually more physically active than non-consumers.
Merrill’s findings challenge the long-held assumption that chronic medical conditions naturally lead to lower activity levels. Surprisingly, cannabis users defy this trend, staying just as active—if not more—than their peers. Whether it’s the relief from pain and inflammation, better sleep, or simply feeling more in control of their health, cannabis is clearly helping people get back to living their lives.
It’s hard to ignore the idea that moving away from alcohol and pharmaceuticals—both of which can take a serious toll—might also be playing a role in this lifestyle shift.
For more on how Utah’s medical cannabis policies are evolving, check out our feature on Meet the Minds of Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board.
Keynote Speakers Who Matter
Among the notable speakers was Ryan Vandrey, PhD, from Johns Hopkins University, a leading figure in behavioral pharmacology. Vandrey’s work focuses on how cannabis use intersects with public health policy—an essential topic as Utah’s medical cannabis program continues to evolve. Another standout was Ricardo Ricardo-Cachón, PhD, a renowned expert in health policy from the University of Southern California, who provided valuable insights into cannabis economics and its role in shaping the broader healthcare landscape.
For more on how policy leaders are shaping Utah’s cannabis future, check out our exclusive interview: Baked Q&A: Empowering Medicine with Richard Oborn.
Digging Into the Research
The symposium featured a lineup of compelling research presentations. Topics ranged from bioengineering approaches for sustainable biomanufacturing to cannabinoid formulations for seizure disorders. Sindy Smith, PhD, from the University of Utah, presented groundbreaking findings on the anti-inflammatory potential of a novel cannabinoid-based polytherepy. Meanwhile, sociologist Guangzhen Wu, PhD, explored the relationship between cannabis legalization and racial disparities in incarceration—an issue Utah policymakers need to take seriously.
Another standout presentation came from Thomas P. Park, PhD, of Colorado State University–Pueblo, who discussed cannabis knowledge cultivation, while Zachary Muck, a researcher from Brigham Young University, shared an eye-opening population-based assessment of exercise, cognitive impairment, and cannabis use.
If you’re curious about Utah’s complex medical cannabis journey, read our deep dive: Utah’s Medical Cannabis Program: A Hazy Journey of Regulations and Updates.
Real Conversations, Real Impact
Beyond the research, the community conversations at the symposium tackled real-world issues that hit close to home for both patients and industry professionals. Topics ranged from animal research and clinical trials to cultivation challenges and the ever-present policy roadblocks. It’s clear that Utah’s cannabis industry is ready for more inclusion in these discussions—and events like this are key in closing the gap between science and real-world application.
Looking Ahead
One of the biggest takeaways from yesterday’s symposium is that cannabis research in Utah is gaining legitimacy in ways we’ve never seen before. The sheer presence of industry professionals, clinicians, and policymakers signals a shift—one where evidence-based science is finally leading the conversation. Moving forward, it’s crucial that the voices of those working with cannabis every day—from cultivators to healthcare providers—are heard and respected.
Utah still has a long way to go when it comes to patient access, education, and legislative support, but yesterday’s event proved that progress is happening. Seeing professionals from every corner of the cannabis industry come together in a state that once viewed cannabis with skepticism? That’s something worth celebrating.
