The University of Kentucky Cannabis Center is sponsoring a series of seminars featuring national and international experts on cannabis science. This series will give UK students, faculty and the general public the chance to hear cutting-edge cannabinoid science across a wide variety of specialties (medicine, pharmacology, public health, impaired driving science, agriculture, legal and social justice). 

The center, based in the UK College of Medicine’s Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR), conducts research on the health effects of cannabis, including its risks and benefits when used to treat certain medical conditions.

The next seminar will highlight the work of Ashley Brooks-Russell, Ph.D., associate professor of community and behavioral health, and director of the Injury and Violence Prevention Center at the Colorado School of Public Health. She has published findings from more than 25 studies related to cannabis.

“The mission of the UK Cannabis Center is to accelerate cannabinoid science and conduct high-quality research that is relevant to the health and well-being of Kentuckians,” said Center Director Shanna Babalonis, Ph.D. “Dr. Brooks-Russell is an internationally recognized expert in the effects of cannabis on driving behavior. As cannabis policies change in Kentucky, driving outcomes are topics that are of great interest to scientists, physicians, law enforcement, lawmakers and public health advocates.  

“We are honored to have Dr. Brooks-Russell share her expertise with us. We are also grateful to be able to extend this seminar series to the public — this is one of the center’s missions — to help anyone with interest learn more about cannabinoid science and have the opportunity to interact with cannabis experts.”

Brooks-Russell will present findings from her study, “Cannabis Impaired Driving: Policy Challenges and Emerging Solutions.”

The seminar will be held 1-2 p.m. EST Tuesday, June 13, via Zoom. Anyone is welcome to attend. Register online here.

To receive information on upcoming events, contact the UK Cannabis Center at cannabiscenter@uky.edu.