2025-2026 Community Engagement Series

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.

Events are open to the public and available on demand via live stream.

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.

SPRING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

As one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, cannabis offers a rich lens through which to examine issues of science, policy, and culture.

DUC, Laird Room 230A

Cannabis Social and Legal Landscape Shifts

Spring TBA

We invite participants to engage in timely conversations examining the social and legal landscape surrounding cannabis in Wisconsin.
 
DUC, Laird Room 230A

Legal Cultivation and Industry Growth

Spring TBA

We invite participants to engage in timely conversations about cannabis cultivation, regulation, public health, and its evolving role in Wisconsin and beyond.
 
Spring TBA

Research Goals and Successes

Spring TBA

Come learn about UWSP’s active, multidisciplinary research and teaching program focused on Cannabis.

FALL 2025 EVENT

As one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, cannabis offers a rich lens through which to examine issues of science, policy, and culture.

DUC Theater

History of Cannabis in Wisconsin and Beyond

Held Oct. 14, 2025

Professor and Department of Biology Chair Dr. Brian Barringer explored 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?