November 7, 2025 | Long Island Marriott • Uniondale, NY
Event Details
2nd Annual NYS Medical Cannabis Symposium: Cannabinoids in Clinical Practice
Hosted by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management & Northwell Health
Thursday, November 6 • 3:00-8:00 PM: Pre-Symposium Events
Friday, November 7 • 7:00-5:00 PM: Full Day Symposium
Long Island Mariott – 101 James Doolittle Blvd • Uniondale, New York
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management, in collaboration with Northwell Health, proudly presents the 2nd Annual Cannabinoids in Clinical Practice Symposium—the official event of the NYS Medical Cannabis Program.
This symposium serves as a dynamic platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, and trainees to delve into the latest science on cannabis and its therapeutic potential.
Participants will explore cannabinoid pharmacology, discuss emerging clinical applications, and examine the broader health and societal impacts of medical cannabis. The symposium also offers opportunities to engage with leading experts from across New York State, build professional connections, and deepen understanding of the endocannabinoid system’s role in patient care.
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Pre-conference Reception & Fireside Chat with Meg Haney, Ph.D. & Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D. Moderated by OCM Chief Medical Officer, Dr. June Chin.
This gathering offers attendees the opportunity to network and engage in conversation with colleagues from all areas of New York State. Attendees will hear from Dr. Meg Haney of Columbia University and Dr. Ryan Vandrey from Johns Hopkins in a discussion about the current and future landscape of cannabis research. The reception will feature passed appetizers and a cash bar.
Friday, November 7
7:00 – 8:00 AM: Registration / Breakfast
8:00 – 8:15AM: Opening Remarks
Felicia A. B. Reid, Deputy Executive Director & Acting Executive Director, NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
Sandeep Kapoor, MD, MS-HPPL, Vice President, Addiction Services, Emergency Medicine Service Line | Northwell Health
June Chin, DO, Chief Medical Officer, NYS Office of Cannabis Management
8:15 – 8:55AM: Morning Keynote with Ethan Nadelmann, JD, Ph.D. – “The Evolution and Future of Drug Policy in the US and Globally: Health and Science Based Approaches”
9:05 – 10:05AM: Patient & Caregiver Panel with Katherine Williams, Vanessa Cuccurullo, Lily K. Schwartz & Christina Marino
10:05 – 10:15AM: Coffee Break
10:15 AM – 11:40 AM: Concurrent Morning Sessions
Shawn Masia, MD – “From Propaganda to Practice: Moving Beyond the Cannabis Stigma”
Carrie Silliman, NP – “Cannabis in Oncology: Insights and Implications from ASCO 2025”
Myfanwy Graham, PharmD – “Cross-national survey of clinical decision-making about medical cannabis and preferred educational resources”
Ashly Jordan, PhD, MPH – Trends in the Rate of Cannabis-Related Treatment Initiation in the Context of Cannabis Legislation, New York State 2016-2023
Joshua Rein, DO – “The Impact of Cannabinoids on Kidney Health and Disease”
Paul Vermilion, MD and Emily Wu, MD – “Implementation of Inpatient Use of Medical Cannabis: An Ongoing Quality Improvement Initiative”
Lori B. Kanter, DPM, RD, CDN – “Fueling the Endocannabinoid System: How Nutrition and Cannabis Interact for Optimal Health”
Joshua Sookdeo – “Full Spectrum vs. Isolate Cannabinoids and the Dose Response Relationship to Atherosclerosis: A Targeted Review of Cardiovascular Risk Modulation”
Carrie Royse, RN – “What’s the buzz? Recreational Cannabis and the Perianesthesia Patient”
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch Keynote w. Benjamin Caplan, MD – “From Stigma to Standard: A Blueprint for Modern Cannabis Medicine”
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Poster Session
2:15 – 3:40 PM: Concurrent Afternoon Sessions
Pamela Buchanan, MD – “When nothing else works: The Role of Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain and Mental Health: An ER Doctor’s Perspective”
Eric Hollander, MD – “Cannabidivarin (CBDV) vs. Placebo in Prader Willi Syndrome and Autism”
Karina Ckless, PhD – “Sex-specific immunomodulation and redox activity of cannabinoids: in silico and in vitro/in vivo approach”
Itzhak Kurek, PhD – “Cannabis-Responsive Biomarkers: A New AI-Powered Technology to Evaluate, Predict, and Design Medical Cannabis Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder- A Proof-Of-Concept Study”
Erica Stupp, MA, MPH – “Public Health Surveillance and Response to Prevent Unintended Exposures to and Overconsumption of Cannabis”
Andrea Unser, PhD – “Investigation of the Mechanism of Action and IOP Lowering Ability of CB1 Agonists using Glauconix Biosciences’ 3D-HTMTM Tissue Model“
Nehal Vadhan, PhD – “A state-of-the-art cannabis research laboratory at Northwell Health- development and planned studies”
Andrea Sparr-Jaswa, MPH – “Potency and Purity Concerns in Unregulated Hemp Products: A Rapid Review to Inform Public Safety”
3:45 – 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks
Diana Martins-Welch, MD, FACP, Director, Supportive Oncology, Associate Professor, Zucker School of Medicine, Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell Health
June Chin, DO, Chief Medical Officer, NYS Office of Cannabis Management
Featured Speakers
Morning Keynote: Ethan Nadelmann, JD, Ph.D.
“The Evolution and Future of Drug Policy in the US and Globally: Health and Science Based Approaches”
Born in New York City, Ethan taught politics and public affairs at Princeton University (from 1987 to 1994) and founded and directed first The Lindesmith Center (1994-2000) and then the Drug Policy Alliance (2000-2017), the world’s leading drug policy reform organization. He also co-founded the Open Society Institute’s International Harm Reduction Development program. He has spoken publicly in roughly forty states and forty countries.
His TED Talk on ending the drug war has over two million views. He has hosted the podcast, PSYCHOACTIVE. Ethan and his colleagues were at the forefront of dozens of successful campaigns to legalize marijuana, reduce the incarceration of drug law offenders, treat drug use and addiction as health, not criminal, issues, and otherwise promote alternatives to the war on drugs.
Lunch Keynote: Benjamin Caplan, MD
“From Stigma to Standard: A Blueprint for Modern Cannabis Medicine”
As stigma fades and acceptance grows, the conversation around cannabis is shifting from “if” to “how.” Dr. Benjamin Caplan, recently recognized by the White House for his national leadership in cannabinoid medicine, will explore what still stands between today’s progress and a truly normalized, evidence-based cannabis culture. The talk examines how outdated insurance policies, uneven access, and the misapplication of scientific data continue to obstruct meaningful reform. It also highlights the power—and peril—of social media, where misinformation thrives in the absence of expert voices.
Drawing from two decades of clinical experience and more than 300,000 patient encounters, Dr. Caplan will show how attitudes among patients, clinicians, and institutions are evolving toward a model that emphasizes reduced pharmaceutical dependence, improved health outcomes, and restored patient agency. The modern cannabis clinic is not a one-way street of physician expertise, but a collaborative exchange where patients teach as much as they learn. This presentation offers a roadmap for closing the gap between research and reality, transforming cannabis from a cultural curiosity into a cornerstone of modern medical care
Fireside Chat Guests:
Meg Haney, Ph.D.
Dr. Margaret (Meg) Haney is a Professor of Neurobiology (in Psychiatry) at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. As the Director of the Cannabis Research Laboratory and Co-Director of the Substance Use Research Center, Dr. Haney is internationally recognized for her expertise in cannabis and cannabinoids. Her current work focuses on: (1) conducting placebo-controlled studies testing the efficacy of potential treatment medications for Cannabis Use Disorder, and (2) testing the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis and its constituents for a range of indications, including pain and appetite-enhancement. Dr. Haney’s research has been continuously supported by the National Institute of Health since 1999. She has authored over 160 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 12 book chapters, is an Associate Editor for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, is an Advisory Editor for Psychopharmacology, and co-edited Neuropsychopharmacology Reviews 2018, Cannabis and Cannabinoids: From Synapse to Society. Dr. Haney has been on several NIH advisory councils, is an elected Fellow at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology,and is a past President of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence. In 2023, Dr. Haney was honored with the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research Award for 'Advancing Cannabis and Cannabinoids as Therapeutics’ and in 2025 she received the Marian W. Fischman Lectureship Award for outstanding scientist in drug abuse research from the College on Problems of Drug Dependence.
Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D.
Dr. Vandrey is an experimental psychologist and Professor at the Johns Hopkins University Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit (BPRU) and helps lead the Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Lab. Dr. Vandrey’s research focuses primarily on the impact of route of administration, dose, and chemical composition of cannabis products on resultant drug effects and pharmacokinetics. In addition, Dr. Vandrey helps lead the Cannabis and Health Research Initiative (CHRI), a program designed to advance understanding of the health impacts of medicinal cannabis use. He has also been involved in work related to cannabis-drug interactions, the effects of cannabis use on sleep, cannabis withdrawal, the treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder, cannabis product testing, drug testing, impairment testing, and developing measures of cannabis use behavior.
Poster Session Participants
Annmarie Johnson-Rowe, PMHNP – Cannabinoids and the Mind: Exploring the Role of Medical Cannabis in Mental Health and Mood Disorders
Daniel Hagen, PhD – Sequelae of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Legalization of Recreational Cannabis Use: A Prospective Study of Cannabis Users in the New York Metro Area
Danielle Clarice Ompad, PhD – Characterizing the cannabis retail landscape
Jamel Daniel – Smart Access: Revolutionizing Medical Cannabis Delivery Through Vending and Digital Ecosystems
Oleg Maryasis, MS – Addressing Evidence-Based Risks of Cannabis Use: From Awareness to Action
Stephen Gayton – The Link Between Soil Health and Medical Cannabis Quality
Taameir Drew, MS – Healing Migraines Naturally: A Holistic, Cannabinoid-Inclusive Approach to Migraine Management
Stefan Masselink, MS – Promoting Health Equity and Preventing Unintentional Pediatric Exposure: A Safe Storage Distribution Pilot for Medical Cannabis Patients with Children
Jahlani Niiaah, PhD – Dispensing Cannabis as a Sacrament and Cultural Advocacy: the case of Rastafari of Jamaica
Alexandria Wilkins, MPH, Lauren Foster, BA, Kaitlin Kosinski, PhD, Sang Choi, R. Ph, Andrea Unser, PhD, Nakesha Abel, PhD – Patient Experiences and Access Barriers in the New York State Medical Cannabis Program: Findings from Two Consecutive Cross-Sectional Surveys, 2023–2024
Lecture Session Moderators
Diana Martins-Welch, MD, FACP
Director, Supportive Oncology
Associate Professor, Zucker School of Medicine
Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell Health
Nehal Vadhan, PhD
Associate Professor
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
Ken Weinberg, MD
Attending Physician, Northwell GoHealth
Chief Medical Officer
Cannabis Doctors of New York
Heather Zinkin, MD
Chief, Radiation Medicine, Huntington Hospital
Department Radiation Medicine, Northwell Health
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
MCP Certification for Practitioners
Medical Cannabis Practitioner Course Thursday, November 6, 2025 • 3:30 – 5:30PM
We invite you to join the Office for a free, in-person, comprehensive 2-hour course designed for practitioners seeking to certify patients or for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of NYS Medical Cannabis Program.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the program, participants should have a comprehensive understanding of the following:
The pharmacological properties of cannabis, including the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and receptor pathways.
Identify and manage side effects such as cardiovascular, respiratory, CNS, psychological, visual disturbances, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. Approaches to appropriate dosing strategies and guiding patients on methods of medical cannabis administration.
The therapeutic advantages of medical cannabis in contrast to potential risks, including side effects, adverse reactions, contraindications, and other considerations.
The course is intended for but not limited to practitioners seeking to certify patients for the Medical Cannabis Program. This may include Physicians, advanced practice providers, residents, fellows, students, researchers, and other practitioners.
Attend Virtually or In Person
This free, two-hour course is open to all and can be attended either virtually or in person at the Long Island Marriott. Participation in the full Symposium is not required to take this course.
Medical Cannabis Symposium Friday, November 7, 2025 • 8AM – 5PM
Program Objectives: All Northwell Health CME activities are intended to improve patient care, safety and outcomes. At the conclusion of this conference participants should be able to:
Differentiate between medicinal and recreational cannabis use and risks/benefits of both.
Contrast clinical scenarios and assess patients who might benefit from medicinal cannabis.
Analyze case studies and employ tailored medicinal cannabis treatment plans, including recommended cannabinoid ratios, dosages, delivery methods, and potential drug interactions.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Northwell Health and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).Northwell Health is jointly accredited by theAccreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Designations:
Physicians: Northwell Health designates this activity for a maximum of 4.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses: Northwell Health designates this activity for 4.75 ANCC contact hours.
Pharmacists: Northwell Health designates this activity for a maximum of 4.75 ACPE credit hours. Universal Activity Number: JA4008234-9999-25-019-L01-P
Psychologists: Northwell Health designates this activity 4.75 APA CE credits for psychologists. APA Psychology credit is not accepted by the New York State Education Department as meeting their CME requirement.
Disclosure Policy:
Northwell Health adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME-CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Speaker & Poster Information
For Lecture Presentations:
Lecture talks are limited to 20 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes dedicated to a Question-and-Answer session. Please ensure that the PowerPoint/Slide Deck length is appropriate for the time allotted to ensure that all speakers are granted the same time to present, and the audience is able to ask questions. Ensure that slide font and graphics are the appropriate size and resolution for maximum audience visibility.
To ensure smooth transitions between speakers during the event, please send all slides to [email protected] by 10/29/2025.
For Poster Presentations:
Poster dimensions should be no more than 48 by 36 inches, with sufficient resolution for easy viewing (recommended: 300 dpi).
You may begin displaying your poster at 3:00PM on November 6, 2025. Easels and a back board will be provided for you on site. Please check in with registration about where to hang your poster.
A poster viewing session will be held from 1-2PM on November 7, 2025. Main authors should be standing with their poster during this session to answer any questions from attendees.
All poster materials must be removed by the end of the event on November 7 at 5PM or they will be discarded. We are unable to store any materials left behind.
Planning Committee
Northwell
Edith Burns, MD Director, Patient Care Services Integrative Care and Pain Management Program Mather Hospital
Stephen Butkus, MS Senior Program Manager, Addiction Services Emergency Medicine Service Line | Northwell Health
Adjunct Assistant Professor School of Health Sciences Department of Population Health Hofstra University
Robert Duarte, MD Director, Neurological Pain Management North Shore University Hospital Northwell Health
President Elect New York State Pain Society
Sandeep Kapoor, MD Vice President, Addiction Services Emergency Medicine Service Line | Northwell Health
Chris Magalee Program Manager Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine
Diana Martins-Welch, MD Director, Supportive Oncology Associate Professor, Zucker School of Medicine Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell Health
Marie O'Brien DNP, ANP-C, PMGT-BC, CCRN Director Patient Care Services Integrative Care and Pain Management Program Mather Hospital
Nehal Vadhan, PhD Associate Professor Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
Robyn Van Roten, PharmD Department of Psychiatry Northwell Health Zucker Hillside Hospital
Ken Weinberg, MD Attending Physician, Northwell GoHealth
Chief Medical Officer Cannabis Doctors of New York
Office of Cannabis Management
Nakesha Abel, PhD Deputy Director of Scientific Programs & Research Health & Scientific Affairs
Sang Choi, R.Ph Research Scientist, Scientific Programs & Research Health & Scientific Affairs
Kaitlin Kosinski, PhD Research Scientist, Scientific Programs & Research Health & Scientific Affairs
