IL launches multi-million-dollar Cannabis Research Institute
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The University of Illinois System is doing its part to help advance the public's knowledge on the scientific and socio-economic impacts of cannabis use and production.
On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker, U of I System President Tim Killeen, government officials, and cannabis researchers with Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) launched the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI).
"At the time I was elected, we were allowing people to be held criminally liable — and inequitably so — for consuming cannabis. Just five years later, we have one of the most orderly and successful cannabis industries, and we are launching a research institute – funded by the legal sale of that same plant – that will accelerate the transformation of that old, unfair, unjust system into a vehicle for community revitalization," Pritzker said.
The CRI was first announced in 2022 with assistance from the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. Now, it's become a reality.
"The Cannabis Research Institute will use innovative research and data collection to deepen our understanding of cannabis and help shape the future of the industry, better inform the public, and develop policies for consumer protection, economic and community development, and equity," Pritzker said.
The CRI was made possible by a partnership between Illinois and City of Chicago. It's housed within DPI, which is part of the University of Illinois System.
"Illinois continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge practices and programs surrounding cannabis. Holistic reform is part of our administration's vision for transforming the state's justice system toward more healing-centered practices," Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said. "This is an exciting development that will move us even closer to an equitable cannabis industry and a more just Illinois."
The CRI received $7 million from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). The money will be awarded over three years.
"I want to thank Governor Pritzker, the University of Illinois system, and all of our partners in this work for playing a crucial role in researching and monitoring changes in cannabis-related data in Illinois," Dulce Quintero, Secretary Designate, Illinois Department of Human Services, said. "CRI will contribute to the emerging body of knowledge that will enable policymakers to develop data-informed, equitable strategies related to Illinois' cannabis policies in the years to come."
Back in September, CRI opened a new laboratory that was formally a COVID-19 testing facility in Chicago. The site will temporarily serve as a research base.
During the winter and spring, CRI will host community engagement events to gauge research priorities.
