News Release
Colorado State University Pueblo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 25, 2026
CSU Pueblo Names Dr. Marion McNabb Director of Institute of Cannabis Research
PUEBLO, Colo. Colorado State University Pueblo named Dr. Marion McNabb director of the Institute of Cannabis Research. McNabb steps into the role with more than 25 years of experience in public health research, education and cannabis policy work in the United States and abroad.
McNabb built her career studying how cannabis affects patients and public health. She founded and led the Cannabis Center of Excellence, a nonprofit focused on cannabis research, education and evidence-based policy. Since 2017, she has directed 13 community-engaged research studies involving more than 7,000 patients, consumers, veterans and health care professionals.
“Our search process gave us the best possible person for this role,” said Gail Mackin, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. McNabb brings years of research experience and academic leadership to the Institute of Cannabis Research, and we’re genuinely glad to have her at the helm.”
McNabb’s research has covered cannabis use and health outcomes, patient experiences, clinician education, public health and cannabis policy. Journals including JAMA Network Open and Clinical Therapeutics have published her findings.
Before joining CSU Pueblo, McNabb spent 15 years in global public health, working with UNICEF, Pathfinder International and Johns Hopkins University programs across Africa and Haiti. She has taught graduate-level public health courses and built cannabis education programs for professionals, communities and policymakers.
McNabb holds a Doctorate of Public Health from Boston University, a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University.
Dr. Chad Kinney led the Institute of Cannabis Research before McNabb’s appointment. Kinney stays at CSU Pueblo as a professor in the Chemistry department.
CSU Pueblo welcomes McNabb to campus and expects the Institute of Cannabis Research to grow its research and community impact under her leadership.
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