R3CR

10/08/2026

Heading to the Cannabis Research Conference in San Diego? Don’t miss our session on Mon, Oct 19!

Navigating the regulatory requirements and sourcing research-grade, well-characterized materials remain significant hurdles in advancing cannabis and cannabinoid science. Join us for an engaging discussion on overcoming these systemic barriers. Panelists include Program Director Patrick Still, NCCIH, David Shurtleff, NCCIH/NIH, Deputy Director, NCCIH, and R3CR’s own Nandu Sarma (Research Standards Core, USP). Also joining the panel are representatives from our 2026 seed funding awardees including Tess Eidem (CU Boulder), Mohamed Radwan (Ole Miss), and Anthony Ferrari (Sym Sciences).

The panelists will share how our collaborative initiative between Washington State University, the University of Mississippi, and the U.S. Pharmacopeia is working to simplify regulatory pathways, establish rigorous quality standards, and provide tangible support to the research community.

📍 Session Details:
• Date and Time: Monday, October 19, 3:55-4:45pm
• Location: NCRC Doubletree by Hilton; Shutters East II
• Topic: “Advancing Cannabis Research: NCCIH and NIH Priorities, Resources, and Pathways Forward”

Whether you are designing a clinical trial, seeking guidance on FDA/DEA compliance, or looking for reliable research materials, we look forward to connecting with you!

🔗 View panel write-up at https://whova.com/embedded/session/RMJpVDBQcGM9fdwDM0SBx9x9-vfS59EENE%402A-nmg%40E%3D/5617255/?widget=primary

Learn more about the conference at https://www.nationalcannabisresearchconference.org/

10/06/2026

Why are cannabinoid formulations so difficult to characterize, and how can computational modeling help bridge the gap?

In our latest guest blog post on the R3CR blog, Milind Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer at Formulaite Inc., explores the mechanics behind cannabinoid oral absorption, variability, and chemical stability.

From analyzing how delivery vehicles shift absorption toward the intestinal lymphatic route to evaluating CYP enzyme interactions and drug degradation, the post covers how physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can streamline in silico development before clinical trials begin.

Check out the full article on our website: https://r3cr.org/2026/10/05/modeling-the-modern-cannabinoid-formulations/

10/01/2026

The FDA wants to hear from the scientific community on how to advance botanical drug development.

Moving complex plant extracts from the lab bench to an FDA-regulated drug pathway involves real challenges - from establishing batch-to-batch consistency to designing clinical trials for multi-constituent mixtures.

The FDA’s open Request for Information (RFI) asks researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to weigh in on:

1️⃣ The main scientific and economic obstacles in botanical R&D
2️⃣ Methods for managing natural variability and defining quality standards
3️⃣ How real-world evidence and modern trial designs can support product evaluation
4️⃣ Specific updates needed in existing FDA guidance documents

If your research touches complex botanicals, natural products, or cannabinoids, submitting public comments helps shape clearer, more workable regulatory standards.

🗓 Submit comments by: November 3, 2026

▶️ Review the FDA RFI: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-seeks-public-input-advance-development-botanical-drug-products?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

09/29/2026

How do you assess product safety when a formulation contains multiple active ingredients, but available safety data only covers them one by one?

In a study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, a team of experts including Dr. Nandu Sarma (Lead for R3CR's Research Standards Core and Director at USP) - introduced a model-based risk assessment tool to tackle this exact issue.

Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, the study evaluates potential cardiovascular risks associated with multi-ingredient supplements:

1️⃣ Combines 4 Data Streams: Integrates real-world adverse event reports, computational structure predictions (QSAR), kinetic data, and mechanistic modeling alongside expert panel consensus.
2️⃣ Tests Formulations: Evaluates 26 combinations of caffeine, L-arginine, creatine, synephrine, and yohimbine to observe how risk profiles shift across different formulations.
3️⃣ Highlights Reporting Limitations: Demonstrates that missing or underreported adverse event data can skew risk scores, emphasizing the need for robust reporting systems.
4️⃣ Improves Signal Detection: Serves as a screening tool to highlight potential safety signals when direct clinical trial data is limited.

Rigorous methodology is essential whether evaluating traditional dietary supplements or complex botanical research materials.

▶️ Access the full open-access article on Taylor and Francis website: Journal of Dietary Supplements Volume 18, 2021 - Issue 3 pgs 293-315

09/24/2026

Federal policy on h**p and cannabinoids is moving fast, and staying compliant requires keeping up with every update.

The U.S. Senate recently voted to advance a delay on a scheduled federal h**p product ban, extending the timeline to Dec 11. This decision gives lawmakers more time to consider structured regulation rather than an immediate, total prohibition.

5 updates from Ma*****na Moment (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621758194 #) coverage:

① Ban delay: Senate leaders blocked a motion to fast-track recriminalization, offering a brief window for regulatory debate.

② Synthetic exemption: Cannabinoids that cannot be naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa L. plant do not get a delay and face immediate restrictions.

③ Strict limits: The pending 0.4 mg total THC per container threshold poses major challenges for full-spectrum product availability.

④ Regulatory alternatives: Industry and trade groups are pushing for age limits, quality testing, and clear labeling rules instead of outright bans.

⑤ Impact on research: Broad product bans directly affect clinical access to therapeutic, full-spectrum materials used in legitimate studies.

At R3CR, we help scientists navigate these shifting regulations so research stays on track.

Full story here: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/senate-rejects-amendment-to-keep-h**p-thc-product-ban-on-track-for-november-teeing-up-delay-trump-pushed-for/

09/22/2026

Navigating federal regulations and sourcing compliant materials have long been major hurdles for cannabis researchers. That is why the Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) was established - to help scientists overcome these challenges and move the science forward.

Our friends at the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP) recently featured R3CR on their blog. The post details how our partnership between the University of Mississippi, Washington State University, and the U.S. Pharmacopeia is building practical infrastructure for researchers across the country.

Whether you are seeking regulatory clarity, working on standardized protocols, or looking for seed funding opportunities, R3CR is here to support your work.

Check out the post on NAP’s blog to read about the partnership and where cannabis research infrastructure is headed:
https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/blog/nbspintroducing-the-resource-center-for-cannabis-and-cannabinoid-research-r3cr

While individual states began recognizing medical cannabis in 1996, researching the medicinal value in the United States was extremely difficult. Even now when 41 states and Washington D.C. have approved medical cannabis, at the federal level cannabis remains a scheduled substance. This complicates

09/21/2026

Navigating the regulatory landscape for botanical drug development requires clear insights into evolving expectations.

Join the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for a joint workshop on Regulatory Perspectives on Herbal Medicinal/Botanical Drug Product Development.

Virtual attendance is available, making it easy for researchers and stakeholders to participate remotely from anywhere.

📅 When: Fri, Sep 25; 4-7am ET
📍 Where: Virtual and in person - The Netherlands at the European Medicines Agency
🔗 Register: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/regulatory-perspectives-herbal-medicinalbotanical-drug-product-development-joint-fdaema-workshop

Whether you are developing non-clinical studies or working toward clinical trials, understanding global regulatory approaches for complex botanical products is critical to building robust research proposals.

Regulatory Perspectives on Herbal Medicinal/Botanical Drug Product Development – Joint FDA/EMA Workshop

09/17/2026

Federal health officials and lawmakers are currently debating the future of h**p-derived C*D access, and the outcome will directly impact clinical programs and patient care.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz sent a letter urging U.S. senators to reject an amendment that would enforce a strict federal h**p ban this November. CMS warned that an immediate prohibition would undermine new Medicare programs covering full-spectrum C*D for seniors and individuals with disabilities managing chronic pain.

5 key takeaways from Ma*****na Moment's (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621758194 #) coverage:

1️⃣ CMS advocacy: CMS leadership requested senators vote against keeping the November ban on track, citing severe impacts on Medicare beneficiaries who rely on full-spectrum C*D.

2️⃣ Impact on innovation models: The proposed ban threatens new Medicare CMMI pilot programs (including ACO REACH and the Enhancing Oncology Model) that allow providers to offer up to $500 annually in h**p products for patient care.

3️⃣ The 0.4 mg limit: Current legislation threatens to redefine legal h**p down to 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, eliminating standard full-spectrum products from the market.

4️⃣ Policy standoff: Debates in Congress highlight a clear division between health officials advocating for clinical oversight and lawmakers pushing for total product prohibition.

5️⃣ Carve-out for synthetics: Proposed extensions to December 11 would not apply to synthetic cannabinoids not naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa L. plant, which remain set for recriminalization on November 12.

Staying compliant during rapid policy changes requires clear data and reliable guidance. R3CR helps scientific teams monitor regulatory shifts and source well-characterized materials for research.

Read the full report on Ma*****na Moment: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dr-oz-asks-senators-to-delay-h**p-product-ban-so-seniors-can-get-cbd-products-covered-through-medicare/

*D

09/15/2026

Looking for the next conference, clinical symposium, or research expo in the cannabis space?

R3CR’s Industry Events page brings together top scientific and professional gatherings in one easy-to-navigate calendar. Whether you want to present your latest findings, connect with potential collaborators, or stay ahead of regulatory updates, we’ve got you covered.

Check out these featured upcoming events on our radar:

• ICR National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium (Oct 19–21): Interdisciplinary updates spanning research, policy, and industry insights.

• Cannabis Quality Conference and Expo (Oct 21–23): Key sessions on analytical standards, lab quality, and compliance.

• 3rd Annual NYS Cannabinoids in Clinical Practice and Research Symposium (Nov 19–20): Focused on clinical data, patient outcomes, and medical practice.

• 2027 ICRS Annual Symposium on the Cannabinoids (July 4–8, 2027): A flagship global meeting for basic and clinical cannabinoid scientists.

Browse the full schedule or submit your team's upcoming event to reach our growing community: https://r3cr.org/industry-events/

09/10/2026

New collaboration between R3CR and NAP!

We are excited to announce a new collaborative partnership between the Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) and the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP)!

Our organizations share a fundamental, mutual goal: to increase access to high-quality cannabis and cannabinoid research information. By combining R3CR’s expertise in regulatory clarity, rigorous quality standards, and scientific research support with NAP’s dedication to community-led science, public education, and lived experiences, we are working to turn complex cannabis science into everyday knowledge.

Through this collaboration, we will share evidence-based educational content that translates complex science into accessible resources. Together, we hope to empower researchers, patients, and consumers alike - helping to create a more informed, inclusive, and collaborative community.

Stay tuned for joint educational resources, research insights, and community-focused content!

👉 Explore our work: 🔗 Learn more about R3CR: https://r3cr.org 🔗 Learn more about NAP: https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org