Cannabis Basics and Current New York State Policies

This presentation will provide an introduction to the cannabis plant and to medical and recreational usage policies and issues in the United States. We will also highlight the ongoing implementation of New York State's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which was recently passed on March 30, 2021. 

About R.Lorraine Collins
R. Lorraine Collins, PhD, is Associate Dean for Research and Professor in the Department of Community Health and Health Behaviour at the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions. She is a psychologist who has conducted NIH-funded addictions research for decades. The focus of her research has included: 1) emerging and young adults substance (alcohol, marijuana) use; 2) cognitive and behavioral approaches to the conceptualization, prevention, and treatment of addictive behaviors; 3) psycho-social issues (e.g., gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status) related to substance use and misuse; 4) research methods that use technology (e.g., ecological momentary assessment, smart phone apps) for assessment and intervention; 5) high-risk behaviors (e.g., intimate partner aggression, condom use) related to substance use. Collins, a nationally-renowned expert on the health effects of cannabis, was named to a working group created by former governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2018 to draft legislation on how to regulate marijuana usage in New York State. Most recently, Collins lead the development of CeCaR, the Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, at UB. CeCaR is a multidisciplinary center that includes faculty members from various decanal units, all focused on addressing the paucity of research on every aspect of cannabis.