University of Minnesota Opens Cannabis Research Center

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) announced Nov. 16 the opening of a Cannabis Research Center (CRC) that will help evaluate the public health impacts of adult-use legalization and inform future cannabis policy in the state.

Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis when Gov. Tim Walz signed a legalization measure into law in May.

The law called for the establishment of an Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) by July 1, 2023. The office is responsible for overseeing Minnesota’s forthcoming adult-use cannabis program, as well as the state’s existing medical cannabis and hemp programs.

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Provisions in the law that took effect Aug. 1 allow adults 21 and older to purchase up to 2 ounces of cannabis from licensed retailers, possess up to 2 pounds of cannabis in their private residences and grow up to eight plants—four of which can be mature—in their homes.

The law also established a cannabis advisory council and required specific studies and reports on the impacts of legalization.

That’s where the CRC at University of Minnesota comes in. Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis law included a $2.5-million annual appropriation from the cannabis sales tax revenue generated to establish the research center.

The CRC will collaborate with organizations and agencies in the state on research to provide a greater understanding of the health effects of cannabis, including its impact on underage consumers and how it interacts with other substances, including opioids and alcohol.

Researchers will also explore how adult-use cannabis legalization affects health equity and public safety, according to the University of Minnesota’s announcement.

Traci Toomey, SPH professor and a public health policy expert with a particular focus in substance use control policies, will serve as the CRC’s inaugural director.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Walz for their leadership and support in creating Minnesota’s first-ever research center focused on cannabis here at the School of Public Health,” Toomey said in a public statement. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Cannabis Research Center and, alongside my colleagues at the School of Public Health, to build collaborations to conduct innovative research on the health effects of adult-use cannabis legalization on people and communities across the state, including prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, equity issues, education, and decriminalization.”

The CRC has established core principles to guide its work, according to the announcement, including:

• Leading the scientific community in cannabis research.
• Upholding anti-racist principles by prioritizing questions related to equity and incorporating anti-racist practices into collaborations, research questions and methods, interpretations, and communications.
• Maximizing health benefits and minimizing health problems related to cannabis by addressing timely questions now and into the future.
• Being a trusted source of information about cannabis research for individuals, communities, and organizations.

The CRC’s first priorities are identifying key staff and faculty members with related experience, establishing an executive committee to help guide the center’s strategy, and identifying partners across Minnesota to help advance the center’s work.

“We will work collaboratively with state and local agencies and community-based organizations to explore and identify the initial research priorities related to cannabis use in Minnesota,” SPH Interim Dean Timothy Beebe said in a public statement. “I am confident that, under Dr. Toomey’s leadership, CRC will provide the data and evidence our policymakers need to make informed decisions about cannabis to prevent inequity and adverse health impacts throughout Minnesota.

“As Minnesota’s only school of public health, we are honored to uphold our state’s considerable reputation as a leader in health innovation and research. We’re thankful to state leaders for giving us this opportunity to help ensure the best possible health outcomes for all Minnesotans.”