On April 1, Mercy College of Health Sciences will be hosting its 14th Annual Research Symposium. This year’s symposium will focus on the multifaceted issues of the medicinal use of cannabis. The event will be held on Mercy College’s campus in the Sullivan Center, room 103, from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm and is open to the public.

Attendees will gain an understanding of the complex issues facing medicinal use of cannabis. Topics to be explored include public health concerns, biological action of cannabinoids, and the production, current uses, and future applications of cannabinoids in medicine.

“The event is a great way for students and the general public to learn about the legitimate uses of medical cannabis,” Victor Babich, Chair of Mercy College’s Research Advisory Council, states.

Industry leaders from the Department of Public Health, University of Iowa, and MedPharm will present and facilitate an open Q&A session. Student research posters will also be on display.

Speakers for the event include: Owen Parker, MPH, Program Manager for the Office of Medical Cannabidiol at the Iowa Department of Public Health; Karry Smith, PhD, MPH, Consultant at MedPharm, Iowa; Thorsten Rudroff, Ph.D., FACSM, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Human Physiology at the University of Iowa; Rebecca Lucas, BS, Technical Development Manager at MedPharm.

The event is free and open to the public to attend. CEUs will be available. The 14th Annual Research Symposium is sponsored by the Mercy College Research Advisory Council and Mercy College Alumni Association.

Mercy College offers Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor degree programs. To learn more about programs offered, visit mchs.edu/academics.

About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide-range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Mercy College’s liberal arts and sciences education develops compassionate caregivers and leaders. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn more.