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About CRI

Cannabis Research Institute aims to be an unbiased, rigorous, equity-centric research center advancing public knowledge about all aspects of cannabis and hemp. Key research priorities for CRI include agricultural crop management, health and medicinal effects, and social equity impacts.

The institute launched July 1, 2024 with support from the Illinois Department of Human Services and sponsorship from the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office.

Meet the director of CRI

Reginald Gaudino

Director, Cannabis Research Institute

Dr. Reginald “Reggie” Gaudino has joined DPI as the inaugural Director of the Cannabis Research Institute. A molecular geneticist specializing in biochemical networks in plant phytochemistry, Reggie brings over 20 years of experience as a patent scientist at several national law firms before transitioning to cannabis research. In 2014, he joined Steep Hill, where he leveraged his deep understanding of intellectual property (IP) to lead a team in developing the first DNA-based diagnostic assay for cannabis within a year. His work resulted in multiple patents and paved the way for his move to Front Range Biosciences in 2019 as Vice President of R&D and Director of IP. At Front Range, Reggie led a team of 20 scientists, agronomists, breeders, and growers in sophisticated breeding programs, driven by multidisciplinary scientific support, all while advancing cannabis research.

CRI riverside chat

CRI was celebrated with a kick-off reception and panel discussion in November, 2024. The recording “CRI: From Seed to Social Impact” is now available.

CRI’s FY25 Annual Report

Take a look at the institute’s first year.

Learn More

CRI in the news

Lack of Cannabis Education Leaves Future Prescribers With a Missing Tool

At last count, 48 US states, Washington DC, and 3 territories have legalized cannabis for medical/therapeutic purposes, and 24 ...
Medscape

Building knowledge and community engagement: Inside the University of Illinois’ groundbreaking cannabis research program

Building knowledge and community engagement: Inside the University of Illinois' groundbreaking cannabis research program...
Adobe

Cannabis Science and Technology interview with Reggie Gaudino (video)

Cannabis Science and Technology interview with Reggie Gaudino (video)...
Adobe

Cannabis Research Institute Coming to Chicago’s Discovery Partners Institute

The City of Chicago, State of Illinois and the Discovery Partners Institute on Thursday announced the launch of the Cannabis ...
Connect CRE

Cannabis Research Institute opens in Chicago, looking to dig deep into marijuana

Nearly a year and a half after it was announced, the Cannabis Research Institute is getting operations underway in Chicago, ...
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

New Cannabis Research Institute will study the effects of marijuana and how best to manage it

The research center is a joint project between the state and city and will be operated by the Discovery Partners ...
CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Hemp Loophole Causing Chaos In City Hall, Springfield — But Smoke Shop Owners ‘Ready To Fight

Ald. Marty Quinn is pushing an ordinance that would force smoke shops selling hemp-derived THC to close while Democratic ...
BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO

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