NCCRE develops evidence-based reports to support informed policymaking around medical cannabis. Through our Clinical Expert Committee, we review qualifying condition requests submitted through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP) and assess the strength of available scientific evidence. These reports help translate research into practical guidance for regulatory agencies, legislators, and healthcare leaders—ensuring that cannabis-related decisions prioritize public health, safety, and patient care.
Cannabis Research for Policy Development
NCCRE equips policymakers with trusted research, expert insights, and evidence-based recommendations to support effective, informed cannabis legislation.
NCCRE Supports Evidence-Based Policy
As the state’s clearinghouse for cannabis information, we support local and national leaders by offering unbiased findings, data interpretation and subject-matter expertise. NCCRE’s policy role was formally established through Senate Bill 2888, which created the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Research Program within our center. This legislation gives NCCRE the authority to conduct research, evaluate program data and provide expert recommendations to the state. Our team works closely with agencies and lawmakers to ensure that cannabis regulation in Mississippi is grounded in research and built to evolve with new evidence.
Explore NCCRE's Policy Reports
NCCRE’s Clinical Expert Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the use of medical cannabis for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). NCCRE did not participate in advising the Public Health and Welfare Committee regarding Senate Bill 2745, which proposed adding anxiety and insomnia to the list of qualifying conditions.
Read the full report to explore the findings and recommendations in detail.
NCCRE’s Clinical Expert Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the use of medical cannabis for insomnia. NCCRE did not participate in advising the Public Health and Welfare Committee regarding Senate Bill 2745, which proposed adding anxiety and insomnia to the list of qualifying conditions.
Read the full report to explore NCCRE's findings and recommendation.
Supporting Research. Informing Policy
In addition to NCCRE’s own policy reports, we connect policymakers with high-quality, peer-reviewed research to help guide evidence-informed decisions. We recognize the importance of grounding legislation and regulatory guidance in science that is current, credible, and transparent.
Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR)
The Resource Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (R3CR) brings together leading experts and institutions to advance cannabis research and regulatroy processes, streamline regulatory pathways for researchers and agencies, and generate critical data and resources to support informed decisions. Within this national initiative, NCCRE plays a central role—helping researchers interpret DEA and FDA requirements and understand the approvals needed to begin their work.
For policymakers, this work is a signal of what’s on the horizon: better data, more meaningful studies, and clearer answers to the questions that matter most for public health.
Access Research Data To Inform Your Policy Decisions
Below, you’ll find links to leading data sources and major reviews from trusted institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and others.
NCCRE reviews these sources for relevance and reliability but does not endorse individual findings. Our goal is to help ensure that cannabis-related decisions are guided by sound evidence and aligned with public health priorities.
Reach out for a consultation
NCCRE provides evidence-based guidance to policymakers, health agencies, and regulatory bodies navigating decisions about medical cannabis. If your organization is seeking scientific support or review of cannabis-related policies, regulations, or program development, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
Robert Welch
Director of the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education and Research Associate Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences