By Andi Anderson
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting the Southern Illinois Hemp and Cannabis Symposium on Sept. 27 at the McLafferty Annex.
This event, sponsored by the SIU Cannabis Science Center, aims to foster collaboration between academic researchers and industry leaders in the rapidly growing hemp and cannabis industries.
According to Gary Kinsel, interim director of the Cannabis Science Center, the region’s history as a major hemp fiber producer during World War II has the potential to revitalize its agricultural economy.
He believes that the current lack of research, both agronomic and medicinal, has limited the industry’s growth. Kinsel emphasized that cooperation between academic institutions and industry is essential to unlocking the economic potential of these crops.
The symposium will offer a diverse mix of industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. These experts will discuss the future of the hemp and cannabis industry, the importance of academic and industry partnerships, and the role these crops can play in society.
Notable speakers include leading hemp and cannabis scientists from across the country, as well as a representative from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, who will provide insights on emerging legislation affecting the industry.
The McLafferty Annex, which houses the Illinois Food, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Manufacturing (iFERM) Hub, serves as a crucial location for the event. This facility supports research and innovation, offering resources like fermentation science, aquaculture research, and biotechnology laboratories.
Overall, the symposium presents a valuable opportunity for participants to gain insights into the policies, research, and innovations shaping the future of the hemp and cannabis industry, while fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
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Categories: Illinois, Education