University-Industry Engagement Week

University Collaborations with Hemp/Cannabis Companies: Dispelling Fears and Highlighting Opportunities for Research and Tech Transfer Partnerships


By Jesse Schwartz
Published: November 7th, 2023

As the hemp and cannabis industry blossoms, it’s not uncommon to overhear university administrators caution against working with companies due to regulatory concerns and fears over difficulty obtaining federal research funding. Fortunately, these fears have begun to subside as various agencies have provided clarity on their policies, and the passage of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (HR 8454) now assures access to research materials that were previously difficult to procure or supply.

Universities like Florida State, Oregon State, Tennessee State, and Cornell University just to name a few, have established hemp-focused research centers that encourage interdisciplinary research and corporate partnering. Education, policy awareness, and the rapidly changing cannabis industry are also driving innovation as well as VC interest. At the same time, medical applications involving cannabinoids are rapidly advancing and gaining research funding as well as investor dollars. 

The industry is growing and opportunities for partnerships abound, but challenges remain…

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Robin Pate, Chief Marketing Officer for Green Point Research, K. Lance Anderson, partner at Dickinson Wright PLLC, and Frederick Cawthon, president of the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee and a Member of the Hemp Roundtable — for this 60-minute distance learning session: University Collaborations with Hemp/Cannabis Companies: Dispelling Fears and Highlighting Opportunities for Research and Tech Transfer Partnerships, scheduled for December 5th.

These experts will delve into the unique challenges associated with hemp and cannabis research, including limited funding sources, regulatory compliance issues, and variations in state regulations. They will draw from real-world experiences and explore how university partnerships have, and continue to, contribute to fundable and scalable research results in a wide variety of industry sectors. For complete program details or to register, click here.

Also coming soon:

Posted under: University-Industry Engagement Week, Webinars