The Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN²) on March 11 announced a new collaboration with the McGill Research Centre for Cannabis (MRCC), marking an important step toward strengthening international partnerships in cannabis and cannabinoid research.
As part of this collaboration, the MRCC will co-sponsor and help promote YC-SCAN²'s monthly educational webinar series. The webinars feature lectures by leading researchers and clinicians who explore the science of cannabis and cannabinoids from a range of perspectives. Open to the public, the series creates a platform where experts can present emerging findings, discuss key scientific questions, and engage researchers, clinicians, students, and the broader academic community.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing rigorous, evidence-based research in a rapidly evolving field. By connecting investigators from different institutions and disciplines, both centers aim to accelerate scientific discovery while promoting the exchange of knowledge across borders.
Deepak C. D'Souza, MD, Vikram Sodhi '92 Professor of Psychiatry and director of YC-SCAN², said the collaboration builds on a long-standing professional relationship with colleagues at McGill.
"Romina (Mizrahi, director of MRCC) and I have shared a longstanding interest in advancing rigorous research on cannabis and cannabinoids, and we have worked together for several years toward that goal," he said. "This collaboration between Yale and McGill reflects the importance of bringing researchers together across institutions to exchange ideas, support trainees, and accelerate scientific progress in this rapidly evolving field."
Mizrahi emphasized the opportunities the partnership creates for future collaboration and training.
"I am excited about this new chapter for our centers," she said. "This partnership brings together complementary expertise and creates new opportunities for joint training, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research excellence. By working together, we can strengthen the scientific foundation across the full spectrum of cannabis research — from plant science to understanding the effects of cannabis on the body, the brain, and society."
Looking ahead, the two centers plan to expand the webinar initiative with virtual "Lunch and Learn" sessions designed specifically for trainees and junior investigators. These sessions will provide early-career researchers with opportunities to present their work, engage with peers, and learn from senior scientists in the field. The programming will focus on mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and strengthening skills in communicating scientific findings.
The collaboration also reflects YC-SCAN²'s broader goal of developing long-term partnerships with institutions that share its mission of advancing cannabis science. By building networks across universities and research centers, the initiative aims to support high-quality research, foster innovation, and help translate scientific findings into informed public policy.
Established in 2023, YC-SCAN² works to advance the understanding of cannabis and its derivatives, commonly known as cannabinoids. The center serves as a hub for research, education, and information dissemination in the field. Its work examines both the potential therapeutic applications and the risks associated with cannabis and cannabinoids, while also helping inform public policy through evidence-based research.
Source: Yale School of Medicine
