Cannabinoid Research Collaborative

12/18/2025

🔬 Research Spotlight: Federal H**p Policy Update

A recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report (IN12620) outlines a major change to the federal definition of h**p set to take effect in November 2026. This updated definition closes the loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed many h**p-derived THC products to be sold legally.

Under this change, products containing intoxicating h**p-derived cannabinoids may no longer meet the federal definition of h**p and could become subject to stricter federal control. The report also highlights ongoing questions surrounding enforcement and regulatory oversight.

🔗 Read the full CRS report here:
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12620 #:~:text=December%203%2C%202025%20(IN12620%20%2D,found%20within%20the%20cannabis%20plant.

📊 As cannabis policy continues to evolve, research plays a critical role in informing evidence-based decisions that impact public health, regulation, and patient safety. **pPolicy

12/08/2025

In research, discovery isn’t always about finding something brand-new. Sometimes it’s about looking at what we think we understand and seeing it from a fresh perspective. 🔍✨

That’s especially true in cannabis research. Every study, every conversation, and every data point helps us view real-world cannabis use through a clearer lens. By examining behavior, patterns, and lived experiences, we gain insights that can guide better health decisions and support our communities.

Progress often begins when we choose to look a little closer, ask a new question, or challenge an old assumption. 👀💡

Here’s to starting the week with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a fresh set of “eyes.”

11/24/2025

Starting the week feeling inspired after attending WakeUp Carolina's 9th Annual Giving Breakfast last Thursday 💙 The Cooper River Room at Mount Pleasant’s Waterfront Park was full of connection and support as community leaders, individuals, and organizations came together in the spirit of hope and healing.

We had the privilege of representing the MUSC Cannabinoid Research Collaborative, MUSC Youth Collaborative, Project Quit, and MUSC Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs (CDAP) at the event. Patrick Duffy and Sarah Bourne attended and enjoyed sharing our work and connecting with so many partners who make a real impact across the Lowcountry.

The program offered heartfelt stories of recovery and encouragement from the WakeUp Carolina team, paired with uplifting music from the Plantation Singers. It was a reminder of the strength, compassion, and hope shared throughout our community.

Grateful for the work being done and for everyone who continues to stand behind families and individuals on their recovery journey 💛 Thank you again to WakeUp Carolina for a beautiful event!

11/19/2025

Update: Tickets are now sold out! We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

Our team is looking forward to attending the WakeUp Carolina Giving Breakfast tomorrow morning 💙 We’re honored to support a community dedicated to helping youth, families, and those impacted by substance use in the Lowcountry.

We’ll be there representing the MUSC Cannabinoid Research Collaborative, MUSC Youth Collaborative, MUSC Project Quit, and the MUSC Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, all united in the goal of building healthier futures together.

If you’re able to join us, we’d love to see you there 🤝✨

Get tickets here: https://wakeupcarolina.org/wakeup-carolina-giving-hope-breakfast/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOKuw5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUOW94WWJZR29VTnloSnVUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkLPH3CO3LJk3ZIdpHIgmySckdBZSxZ43gxq757U-OoLLv_rogQs785ULnIR_aem_e7SfqfXRj_z3-D4dtnQbzg

11/18/2025

Our partner team is hiring!

The MUSC Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is looking for a full-time Research Program Assistant to join the Addiction Sciences Division. Work with Drs. Squeglia and Gray on the nationwide ABCD Study, supporting research on child and adolescent brain development, behavior, and health. This position involves neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and clinical assessments with youth and their parents, with some evening and weekend flexibility needed.

Apply here: https://musc.career-pages.com/jobs/univ-program-assistant-psychiatry-addiction-sciences-charleston-south-carolina-united-states?fbclid=IwY2xjawOJfAVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExVHM5amtjeUZ5TG1MM2Nnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrMdfJuizuD4Xe7MaptEHdBMjYCd3TEfdloykM9d4WGsmTFJm08NYtBkwtfo_aem_P0LtoFbW4v3kbac4yvuP7w

We’re Hiring!

The MUSC Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is looking for a Research Program Assistant to join the Addiction Sciences Division! Work with Drs. Squeglia and Gray on The ABCD Study, a large-scale project exploring child and adolescent brain development, behavior, and health.

This role includes conducting neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and clinical assessments with youth and their parents. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays is required.

https://musc.career-pages.com/jobs/univ-program-assistant-psychiatry-addiction-sciences-charleston-south-carolina-united-states

11/07/2025

📣 Exciting News from the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative!

Next week, our very own Dr. Erin McClure, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, will deliver one of two keynote presentations at the MACRC 2025 Conference!

Dr. McClure’s work focuses on reducing the harmful impact of cannabis and nicotine/tobacco product use through evidence-based strategies that support both abstinence and harm reduction. Her research combines behavioral science, technology, and substance use treatment to improve accessibility and real-world outcomes.

📍 Conference: Mid-Atlantic Cannabinoid Research Collaborative (MACRC) Conference 2025
🍃 Conference Focus: Therapeutic Benefits and Risks of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and Cannabinoid Medicines
💡 Keynote Title: The role and potential of cannabis harm reduction in minimizing adverse outcomes among priority populations
🔗 Details: https://www.m-acrc.org/2025-conference

We’re thrilled to see Dr. McClure representing the CRC and sharing her expertise on cannabinoid science and public health.

🔔 Be sure to catch her keynote next week, and follow along for updates and highlights from the conference!

10/30/2025

✨ Study Spotlight ✨

Our team at the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative has several paid research opportunities available!

We offer remote, in-person, and hybrid options so you can participate in the way that works best for you. All studies are confidential and judgment-free, and help us better understand how cannabis and other substances impact health and behavior. 🌿

💰 Compensation provided
📍 Conducted through the Medical University of South Carolina
👉 Swipe to see our current studies and find one that’s right for you!

10/10/2025

🌍💚 Today is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.

At the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative, we’re dedicated to understanding how cannabis and related substances interact with the brain, behavior, and overall well-being. By advancing science in this area, our goal is to help inform safer, evidence-based approaches to mental health and substance use.

Let’s keep the conversation going today and every day about caring for our minds, supporting one another, and reducing stigma around mental health.

10/03/2025

Happy Fri-Yay!

Congratulations to Dr. Anna Kirkland on the recent publication of her study, “How Much is Enough? Assessing 30- vs. 60-Day Timeline Followback Stability in Youth Alcohol Use Patterns,” accepted in Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research. 🎉

As a member of both the Youth Collaborative and the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative, Dr. Kirkland recently shared this work with our team, sparking thoughtful discussion on how reporting timelines influence the stability of youth alcohol use data.

Another congratulations to the rest of the team who contributed to the publication: Dr. Pamela Ferguson, Tirza Alcala, Dr. Louise Mewton, Dr. Rachel Tomko, and Dr. Lindsay Squeglia. Together, their efforts are advancing the science of addiction and informing strategies to better understand and address youth substance use.

We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment and the impact of their contributions to the field. Way to go, team!

09/19/2025

💚 Gratitude Post! 💚

Last week, our teams at the MUSC Cannabinoid Research Collaborative, MUSC Youth Collaborative, & MUSC Addiction Sciences Division had the pleasure of hosting Lani Jumper, Charleston County Harm Reduction & Community Outreach Coordinator for WakeUp Carolina.

Lani led an engaging and informative presentation and Narcan training for our teams, equipping us with the knowledge and tools to respond to opioid overdoses and save lives. 🙌

WakeUp Carolina is doing vital work in our community, from prevention and education to harm reduction and recovery support. We are so grateful for their time, expertise, and ongoing commitment to keeping Charleston safe. 💗

👏 A huge thank-you to WakeUp Carolina and to Lani for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with our team. Your work is making a real difference in our community!

📷 Photo Credit: Dr. Anna Kirkland (Thank you for the great pics!)

09/12/2025

Time for another Fun Fact Friday! Did you know...

CB1 receptors (where THC interacts with the brain) are among the most abundant receptors in the entire central nervous system.

These receptors play a key role in regulating pain, mood, appetite, memory, and even motor control. This wide distribution helps explain why cannabis can have such a variety of effects, from reducing pain to influencing emotions and cognition.

At the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative, we focus on how cannabis use affects people’s behavior, health, and well-being. This knowledge helps inform public health and guide future research.

📃 Learn more about CB1 receptors and the endocannabinoid system in this scientific review:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6770351/

08/22/2025

Had a blast meeting students and community members today at College of Charleston! 🎉 We loved sharing our study opportunities and research. Your participation help us learn more about brain development in young adults ages 13 and up. Help us make a difference! 🧠💡

Missed us? Don’t worry — we’ll be at Cougar Mall on February 12!

Reach out via DM or fill out our interest survey to get involved.