February 2025

The Director of the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), Dr. Rahi Abouk, along with his collaborator at RAND Corporation, has been awarded a two-year grant by the Arnold Ventures Foundation. This prestigious funding will support their research on the impact of state laws legalizing medical cannabidiol (CBD) on substance use patterns—including opioids and alcohol—as well as its potential effects on crime rates. See the announcement on WP homepage.

With increasing policy shifts toward medical CBD legalization, this study aims to provide data-driven insights into how such legislation influences public health and safety outcomes. The findings will contribute to ongoing policy discussions surrounding cannabis regulation, harm reduction, and criminal justice reform.

Stay tuned for updates on their progress and key findings in the coming months!