Medical Marijuana Researchers Convene at National Jewish Health

Researchers to share information about Colorado-funded research and the state of knowledge about medical marijuana

Researchers from around Colorado and the nation will gather at National Jewish Health to describe their research and current knowledge about marijuana as a medical therapy during the Marijuana and Health Symposium, 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 13. The symposium will feature presentations by researchers funded by the state of Colorado to study the safety and effectiveness of marijuana as a treatment for medical conditions ranging from pain to epilepsy, post-traumatic stress syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia.

“As more and more states legalize medical marijuana, there is an urgent need for reliable scientific research to understand what marijuana can and cannot do as a medical treatment,” said Russell Bowler, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at National Jewish Health and co-organizer of the symposium. “This symposium will provide a forum for researchers to discuss existing knowledge about medical marijuana and their ongoing work to learn more about its potential benefits and hazards.”

The symposium will also feature presentations on patient perspectives, challenges in research and international research. It will end with an interactive panel discussion and Q & A. The symposium is accredited for continuing medical education for health professionals.

The conference is sponsored by National Jewish Health, with additional support provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Cannabis Outreach and Education Health Foundation.