Cannabis: Science, History, Uses, and Controversies
The College of Letters and Science Community Engagement Series for 2025-2026 will invite participants to engage in timely conversations about cannabis cultivation, regulation, public health, and its evolving role in Wisconsin and beyond. As one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, cannabis offers a rich lens through which to examine issues of science, policy, and culture.
Events are open to the public and available on demand via live stream.
2025-2026 Community Engagement Series
FALL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Oct. 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
History of Cannabis in Wisconsin and Beyond
Dreyfus University Center Theater
Professor and Department of Biology Chair Dr. Brian Barringer will explore the history of Cannabis cultivation and its evolving role in Wisconsin and beyond. What are the changing perceptions of the plant in science and culture? Come learn about UWSP’s active, multidisciplinary research and teaching program focused on Cannabis.
Fall TBA
Cannabis Social and Legal Landscape Shifts
DUC, Laird Room 230A
We invite participants to engage in timely conversations examining the social and legal landscape surrounding cannabis in Wisconsin.
SPRING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Legal Cultivation and Industry Growth
TBA
We invite participants to engage in timely conversations about cannabis cultivation, regulation, public health, and its evolving role in Wisconsin and beyond.
Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m.
UWSP Research Goals & Successes
TBA
We invite participants to engage in timely conversations about cannabis cultivation, regulation, public health, and its evolving role in Wisconsin and beyond.
The 2025-2026 series is presented by the College of Letters and Science. Our thanks to UWSP faculty in the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for their dedication to the project. Lead coordinator is Dr. Brian Barringer, Chair of the Department of Biology. His research interests include the ecology of hemp, plant mating ecology and evolution, and adaptation to stressful environments.