Cresco Labs And Temple University Join Forces To Research The Untapped Medical Benefits Of Cannabis

Temple University has been investigating the medical potential of cannabis for decades. Now, thanks to a new partnership with medical cannabis producer Cresco Labs CRLBF, Temple is expanding its research into the ways cannabis can be used to treat conditions like chronic pain and food allergies.

“Through our partnership with Temple University, we are establishing Cresco Labs as a leader in cannabis research and production," Cresco Labs CEO and co-founder Charlie Bachtell told Benzinga. "Our goal in collaborating with Temple’s talented team on current and future studies, such as exploring cannabinoids’ efficacy for treatment options, is to help normalize cannabis as an alternative medicine and deliver safe, effective products for critical patient needs.” 

Bachtell is a keynote speaker at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27 and 28. 

The partnership with Chicago-based Cresco Labs has vastly expanded Temple's cannabis research capabilities. At the moment, Cresco is funding four different research projects at Temple, including studies on the use of cannabis to treat chronic pain, food allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“When the funds became available, I thought, what am I currently not funded to do that I can tack on with this extra funding?” said Sara Jane Ward, a researcher and professor who has been involved in cannabinoid research for over a decade. “The partnership allowed my lab to do more and expand more. I think the presence of that funding has encouraged more people at Temple to consider doing cannabinoid research."

Though still in its early stages, results so far have been promising. For example, one study found that the cannabis compound CBD can decrease a form of food allergy in mice. This finding could lead to new treatments for food allergies in humans.

Researchers at Temple say they’re hopeful that their work will help to pave the way for the use of cannabis as a legitimate treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Join us to dive deeper into important cannabis research and industry policies at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on September 27 and 28 at the forefront of policy evolution and connect with industry leaders. All information is available on bzcannabis.com.

Read more HERE on Temple University-Cresco Labs' scientific research on cannabis.