Abstract
Nearly all medical research on the effects of marijuana relies on the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) to provide "research-grade marijuana products." Comparisons reveal that this material is significantly different from products available to consumers through state markets. These differences are so substantial that many findings in the medical literature may not be relevant to marijuana use in states where it is legal.

Biography
Nolan Kane is an assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at CU Boulder. His research is at the interface of quantitative genetics, population genomics and bioinformatics. He uses these tools to address key ecological and evolutionary questions from multiple perspectives with a particular interest in domestication, adaptation, conservation, and speciation. Much of his work focuses on identifying the genetic changes that underlie the formation of new species or varieties, and more generally, the genetic basis of novel phenotypes. Currently, he is using sunflowers (Helianthus), mustard (Brassica) and chocolate (Theobroma) as model systems to pursue these research questions. In all three genera, he is examining how hybridization has shaped evolution, including the origin of new hybrid species, the breeding of modern lineages of domesticated plants, and the spread of invasive species.

Background
In connection with the new University of Colorado Center for Research and Education Addressing Cannabinoids and Health (CU REACH), the Colloquium on Cannabis Research is a monthly research seminar focused on the science, technology, business, and history of cannabis. Each session will feature a speaker giving a 45-minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of discussion. This is a non-consumption event dedicated to discussing academic research about cannabis.