UNB solidifies collaboration on cannabis research
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Jun 18, 2019
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
The University of New Brunswick (UNB), the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) and Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) signed a two-year memorandum of understanding promising to work together to explore future collaborative opportunities in the field of cannabis research.
The memorandum aims to facilitate high-growth opportunities to accelerate private sector growth and job creation in the cannabis industry. The three institutions pledge to hold round-table discussions with topics that will include, but are not limited to, technology, policy and regulation on specific cannabis issues.
It will also provide opportunities for research students from UNB and HUJI to engage in academic exchange.
UNB established Canada’s first cannabis health chair in the study of biochemistry, medicinal use and pharmacology of cannabis in January 2019. Cannabis research at UNB will focus on medicinal potential of cannabinoids under the direction of Dr. Yang Qu, Cannabis Health Research Chair. His research will also focus on improving the genetic properties of the cannabis plant and analyzing production strategies to ease supply and demand fluctuation.
“Collaboration with the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research and Opportunities NB will broaden educational opportunities through cannabis research efforts in medicinal and social capacities,” says Dr. David MaGee, vice-president (research) at UNB. “The conversations and connections made through the memorandum will validate and move the cannabis industry forward worldwide.”
The Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research (MCCR) housed at HUJI plays a global leading role in the field of cannabis, cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids. The MCCR integrates and coordinates research activities from 40 research laboratories into interdisciplinary networks. It also fosters collaborations between participating labs and well-established groups conducting research in this field around the world.
“We at Hebrew University's Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research are thrilled to collaborate with Opportunities New Brunswick and the University of New Brunswick on cannabis health research,” says Dr. Yossi (Joseph) Tam, head of the Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory and director of MCCR.
“This partnership has the potential to improve the quality of life of so many, and shows what can be accomplished when different sectors work together toward a common goal."
By recognizing that the demand for medicinal cannabis offers significant economic growth opportunities, ONB is actively involved in enhancing alignment within the cannabis industry.
“We have been pleased to help connect leading-edge researchers and academic institutions in both countries to advance a vision of cannabis research that shares best practices, breakthroughs and opportunities,” says Mr. Stephen Lund, CEO of ONB.
Mr. Lund says that partnerships such as these will help accelerate New Brunswick’s leadership position in cannabis research on a global stage and show what is possible in this emerging industry.
About ONB
Opportunities New Brunswick is a provincial crown corporation that leads economic development efforts in New Brunswick.
About HUJI
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's leading academic and research institution. Serving 23,000 students from 80 countries, it produces a third of Israel’s civilian research and is ranked 12th worldwide in biotechnology patent filings and commercial development. To date, faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal.
About UNB
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada’s oldest English-language university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history and a dynamic focus on innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. UNB has more than 10,500 students from nearly 100 countries while several thousand more take UNB courses online and at partner institutions around the world.
Media contacts
- University of New Brunswick, paisley.sibbald@unb.ca
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, pr@huji.ac.il
- Opportunities New Brunswick, deborah.nobes@onbcanada.ca