Advancing Cannabis Science: The Institute of Cannabis Research at CSU Pueblo Announces New 2027 Research Funding Opportunities

Colorado’s official cannabis research institute, the Institute of Cannabis Research at CSU Pueblo supports innovative, objective research, education, and collaboration across the state and is preparing to launch its 2027 research funding opportunity.

Cannabis research is an increasingly important area of scientific inquiry, with implications for public health, medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, economic development, and public policy. The Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) is working to advance scientific understanding in these areas while supporting researchers, students, and collaborative partnerships throughout Colorado and beyond.

Established in 2015 and designated as Colorado’s official Cannabis Research Institute through House Bill 19-1311 in 2019, ICR is housed at CSU Pueblo and serves a statewide mission. Its purpose is to support and conduct high-quality, objective, and unbiased scientific research and publicly disseminate findings that help inform healthcare, policy, industry, and the public.

What Does the Institute of Cannabis Research Do?

ICR advances its mission through several interconnected areas of work:

Funding Innovative Research: One of the Institute’s primary activities is administering a competitive, peer-reviewed research funding program that supports cannabis-related research at institutions of higher education and other eligible research organizations. Through this program, ICR last year invested approximately $1.7 million in 17 research projects, supporting investigators across Colorado and encouraging collaboration among universities and research partners.

Research supported by ICR spans a broad range of topics, including cannabis and public health, cannabinoid pharmacology, medical applications, plant genetics and biology, agricultural applications, biotechnology, product safety, economic impacts, and societal considerations.

Conducting Research at CSU Pueblo: In addition to funding research across the state, ICR conducts its own research through its internal research program. Led by Associate Director of Research Dr. Sang Hyuck Park, this work includes plant genetics, molecular biology, and the development of new research and biotechnology opportunities.

Education and Workforce Development: ICR supports the development of future cannabis researchers and professionals through student research opportunities, educational programming, webinars, and CSU Pueblo’s Certificate of Foundational Studies in Cannabis. These initiatives provide opportunities for students and professionals to develop a stronger understanding of cannabis science, regulation, health effects, and related fields.

Disseminating Scientific Findings: Research is most valuable when findings are shared and accessible. ICR supports the dissemination of scientific information through peer-reviewed publications, its sponsorship of the Journal of Cannabis Research in partnership with Springer Nature, monthly research webinars, public education, and its most recent 10^th annual National Cannabis Research Conference.

Building Partnerships: ICR works with academic institutions, healthcare professionals, government agencies, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and research collaborators to identify important research questions and expand opportunities for scientific collaboration. These partnerships help connect research with the real-world needs of Colorado communities.

2027 Research Funding Opportunity: Letters of Intent Open November 4

ICR is pleased to announce its upcoming 2027 Cannabis Research Funding Opportunity, inviting qualified researchers and organizations to submit innovative proposals that advance the Institute’s mission.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) submission portal will open November 4, 2026, providing researchers an opportunity to outline proposed projects for consideration.

Key dates for the funding opportunity include:

• November 4, 2026: LOI submission portal opens.
• December 9, 2026: LOI submission deadline.
• January 8, 2027: Full proposal submission period opens for applicants with accepted LOIs.
• February 24, 2027: Full proposal submission deadline.
• August 1, 2027: Anticipated project start date.

The funding opportunity is designed to encourage innovative cannabis-related research that addresses important scientific and societal questions. Potential research areas include clinical and public health research, cannabis biology and chemistry, biotechnology, medical cannabis efficacy, agriculture, product safety, and the economic and societal impacts of cannabis.

ICR welcomes proposals that bring together interdisciplinary research teams and establish meaningful collaborations. All projects must meet the eligibility and principal investigator requirements outlined in the official funding announcement.

An Opportunity for the CSU Pueblo Research Community

As CSU Pueblo continues to expand its research enterprise and build opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, ICR offers an important resource for faculty, students, and research partners interested in cannabis-related science.

Researchers across CSU Pueblo are encouraged to explore the funding opportunity, connect with ICR staff, and consider how their expertise might contribute to this growing field. External researchers and organizations may also participate through eligible partnerships with CSU Pueblo principal investigators.

Through its research investments, educational initiatives, and national partnerships, ICR is helping position CSU Pueblo as an important contributor to the scientific understanding of cannabis.

For more information about the Institute, its research projects, educational opportunities, webinars, and upcoming funding announcements, visit www.instituteofcannabisresearchcolorado.org.