The Cannabis Research Institute (CRI) released its first From Seed To Social Impact 2025 Annual Report today. The report provides stories, milestones, and partnerships that shaped CRI’s first year, as well as a look at what’s ahead.

The CRI newsletter states, “Our first annual report captures how CRI put down roots in year one, building partnerships, launching community engagement, and laying the foundation for research that’s rigorous, transparent, and equity-centered.”

The report touted the progress made in the first year, including its LinkedIn presence and awareness for cannabis research across Illinois and beyond, hosting its first town hall, kicking off the Spotlight Series, and publishing two newsletters. The report also mentions new partnerships with Illinois universities and community engagement. In addition, CTI announced its vision for the next two years, which included an Advisory Committee that would serve as a cornerstone of governance and accountability, seed grants, and experiential learning with community colleges and laboratories.

CRI secured a hemp cultivation license that now enables the team to conduct work with raw plant material for research projects. With this ability, CRI is pursuing partnerships and funding for lab-based studies, with a particular focus on non-human consumption and the non-intoxicating aspects of hemp. Below are the projects CRI is exploring:

1. Options to fund an economic impact assessment of the Illinois hemp market to determine the most promising paths to a robust local ecosystem in a way that leverages opportunities beyond human consumption.
2. Molecular & biomedical research
3. Targeted sequencing of terpene, cannabinoid, and flavonoid genes to support future projects.
4. Developing 3D protein modeling approach to better understand potential effects of different cannabis varieties.
5. Expanding on existing genetic assays that can be used to accurately characterize or identify hemp and cannabis cultivars.
6. Exploring impacts of cannabinoids on sickle cell disease and cancer with partners at UIC and Northern Illinois University.

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