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Faculty and graduate students from UConn’s Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing showcased groundbreaking cannabinoid research at the 2026 International Cannabinoid Research Society Annual Symposium in France
The University of Connecticut’s Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing was prominently represented at the 2026 International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) Annual Symposium in Dijon, France, where faculty and trainees shared new discoveries in cannabinoid science and public health research
A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Dr. Steven G. Kinsey, who delivered the 2026 ICRS Mid-Career Award Lecture in honor of his contributions to cannabinoid research. Drawing on more than two decades of National Institutes of Health-supported research, Kinsey presented a synthesis of cannabis and endocannabinoid science and its implications for treating pain and inflammation
His lecture highlighted evidence that cannabinoid-based therapies may reduce neuropathic and inflammatory pain while avoiding many of the addictive risks associated with traditional opioids and some cannabis products. Reflecting on his career, Kinsey emphasized the collaborative nature of scientific discovery, crediting mentors, colleagues, and trainees for helping shape the direction and impact of his research program
The conference also showcased collaborative research from the Elisabeth C. DeLuca School of Nursing examining perceptions of substance use during pregnancy. Kinsey joined Dr. Sharon Casavant and Dr. Natalie Shook in presenting findings from a national survey of women of childbearing age exploring attitudes toward cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use during pregnancy
The study, recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Cannabis Research, found that many respondents perceived cannabis to be safer than alcohol or tobacco and reported using cannabis to manage pregnancy-related symptoms, including nausea, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based education and clinical guidance to help patients make informed decisions and reduce substance use during pregnancy
The symposium also featured research from graduate trainees in Kinsey’s laboratory. Doctoral candidate Matt Reck presented findings showing that deletion of the regulatory protein RGS12 enhances THC-induced pain relief, hypothermia, and withdrawal signs, suggesting that RGS12 plays an important role in cannabinoid receptor signaling and may influence abuse liability
Fellow doctoral student Maria Jaakson presented research demonstrating that repeated inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) reduces opioid-induced hyperalgesia, pointing to a promising new approach for addressing chronic pain associated with long-term opioid use
The student presentations reflected the growing impact of cannabis science research at the University of Connecticut. Both students received travel awards from the UConn Center for Addiction Science and Innovation, supporting their participation in the international conference and providing opportunities to share their work with leading researchers from around the world
