Illinois Launches Cannabis Research Institute With $7M In Funding
Gov. JB Pritzker, University of Illinois System president Tim Killeen, cannabis researchers and other government officials launched the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) with a focus on advancing the public’s understanding of the scientific and socio-economic impacts of cannabis use and production.
“The Cannabis Research Institute will use innovative research and data collection to deepen our understanding of cannabis and help shape the industry’s future, better inform the public, and develop policies for consumer protection, economic and community development, and equity,” Pritzker said. The initiative is being funded by money from legal cannabis sales in Illinois.
The CRI is a collaborative effort between the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and the University of Illinois System. Announced in 2022, it is housed within the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and received $7 million in funding in 2024 from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). The funding will be allocated over three years to support research, education, and a deeper understanding of the …