Dissecting the Roles and Functions of Plant-Derived Cannabinoids

The Gordon Research Seminar on Cannabinoid Function in the CNS is a unique forum for graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education to present and exchange new data and cutting edge ideas. This edition of the GRS on Cannabinoid Function in the CNS will focus on plant-derived cannabinoids.

Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical constituents, amongst them more than 80 of which are designated as cannabinoids. Despite the widespread use of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, little is currently known about the mechanisms by which these many molecules function in the CNS, as well as their interactions with the endogenous cannabinoid system and molecules. As cannabis use continues to increase worldwide, it is paramount that a better understanding and characterization of these functions is pursued. To that end, the major objective of the 2019 "Cannabinoid Function in the CNS" Gordon Research Seminar is to highlight, through stimulating discussion and the presentation of unpublished data, the efforts underway to address these unknowns. What are the relevant, active compounds present in cannabis? How do these compounds interact with their many targets and to what end? What are their potential pharmacotherapeutic destinations and what role do they play in recreational abuse? How can understanding this biology better inform policy?

Application Instructions

The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.

The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by April 20, 2019. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.

Program Format

Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.