MCST Alumni Showcase Leadership and Expertise at International CannMed 2026 Conference

By Jessika Bartron, MS ‘24

Ten alumni from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s (UMSOP) Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program represented USMOP at CannMed 2026, one of the world’s premier medical cannabis and cannabinoid science conferences, held this year in June in Lake Tahoe, Calif.

As an official conference sponsor, UMSOP joined leading researchers, clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and industry professionals from around the globe to advance scientific dialogue surrounding cannabis therapeutics, patient care, and emerging research. Throughout the conference, MCST alumni served as speakers, panelists, exhibitors, and ambassadors, demonstrating the growing influence of the MCST program across the medical cannabis field.

The strong alumni presence highlighted both the breadth of expertise developed through the MCST program and the expanding impact graduates are making throughout health care, research, education, and industry.

Among the participating MCST alumni and faculty were:

• Shanetha Marable-Lewis, MS ‘22: Psychedelics, Cannabis and Trauma-Informed Veterans Care: The Future of PTSD and TBI Treatment
• Laura Barrett, MBA, BSN, RN: Psychedelics, Cannabis and Trauma-Informed Veterans Care: The Future of PTSD and TBI Treatment
• Codi Peterson, MS ‘22: Through the Eyes of a Patient: Integrating Story and Science to Demystify CHS
• Justin Kander, MS ‘23: Drink Your Cannabinoids – How it changes cannabis research and patient care.

In addition to speaking engagements, alumni contributed to scientific discussions through networking events, and collaborative conversations with researchers, health care practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders. These interactions fostered new professional relationships while further strengthening UMSOP’s reputation as a leader in cannabis science education.

UMSOP’s exhibit, staffed by MCST alumni, provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about the School’s innovative cannabis education initiatives, connect directly with graduates, and gain insight into the academic rigor and professional value of the MCST degree program.

Throughout the conference, alumni engaged with prospective students, health care professionals, researchers, and industry executives, sharing their experiences and discussing how the program has helped shape their careers. The exhibit generated meaningful conversations about the growing need for evidence-based cannabis education and the role the MCST program plays in preparing professionals to lead within this rapidly evolving field.

“CannMed brings together some of the most respected voices in medical cannabis research and health care,” said Jessika Bartron, MS ‘24. “Having so many MCST alumni actively participating throughout the conference demonstrated the strength of our program and the meaningful contributions our graduates are making across the industry.”

The collective presence of MCST alumni at CannMed 2026 reflects the continued growth and national recognition of the program. By contributing their expertise, engaging in scientific exchange, and UMSOP on a global stage, these graduates helped advance awareness of the MCST program while reinforcing its reputation as a leading educational pathway for professionals seeking evidence-based cannabis knowledge.

As the medical cannabis industry continues to evolve, the accomplishments of MCST alumni serve as a testament to the program’s mission: preparing leaders who can bridge science, health care, research, and industry to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of cannabis therapeutics.