Cannabis Policy Institute at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
The Cannabis Policy Institute at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ (CPI) will position 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a trusted source for cannabis policy and research guidance, education, and community engagement. Established in 2023, the CPI builds upon work already occurring at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ by supporting thoughtful policy discussions related to the most relevant and impactful questions in cannabis policy, law, economics, science, medicine, and business.
Mission Statement
The Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is dedicated to the development and advancement of cannabis research, policy, and education. Our mission is to provide leadership by fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding cannabis legalization while being mindful of the disparate impacts of past practices and the importance of social equity and justice going forward. The institute will engage with a range of stakeholders and community partners to develop effective approaches to cannabis policy, expand and coordinate educational opportunities, and support and promote medical and policy research. Through education and outreach efforts to lawmakers, industry leaders, and the public, the institute will be an invaluable resource for local, state, and national communities.
Research
Overview of the 2024 Cannabis Economy
A Review of the Present THC Beverage Market
Cannabis Marketing: Challenges and the Path Forward
More reports available soon.
Meet the Director
Riana Durrett was appointed as director of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Cannabis Policy Institute in August 2023. In addition, the Governor appointed her to serve as the first vice chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Prior to her work with the Cannabis Compliance Board, Durrett served as the executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association, where she established the association as the primary resource on best practices in Nevada's cannabis industry -- developing the Nevada Dispensary Association into the primary regulatory and government affairs voice for Nevada's cannabis industry. In addition to her work at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, Durrett currently serves on the Boards of the Nevada Taxpayer Association and the Nevada Conservation League.
Publications
- — Western Legal Journal, May 2024
- Wondering Where to Place Your Bets on Cannabis Rescheduling? — April 2024, Nevada Lawyer Magazine
Press
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— September 2024, MyCannabis.com
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— August 2024, Benzinga
- — August 2024, The Nevada Independent
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— August 2024, Fox 5 Las Vegas
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— August 2024, Casinos.com
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— August 2024, Casinos.com
- — August 2024, Las Vegas Sun
- — August 2024, Las Vegas Review-Journal
- — May 2024, Las Vegas Review-Journal
- — May 2024, 8 News Now
- — May 2024, Casinos.org
- — May 2024, Las Vegas Sun
- — April 2024, Marijuana Moment
- — March 2024, Las Vegas Review-Journal
- — March 2024, Las Vegas Sun
- — January 2024, Travel Weekly
- 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Introducing Nevada's First Cannabis Policy Institute — December 2023, PBS
- — November 2023, Las Vegas Sun
Announcements
CPI Advisory Board Members
The CPI Advisory Board, with a wealth of expertise, consults with the Director and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s President to help ensure the CPI's impact and success.
Director of Research
Director of Research for the Cannabis Policy Institute, Marla Royne Stafford is a marketing, advertising and communications expert who has years of experience as a professor, department chair, and dean in the business discipline. She was previously the executive associate dean of academic affairs in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. Dr. Stafford is an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Advertising (AAA); she has also been recognized by the AAAs with the Kim Rotzoll Award for Ethics and Social Responsibility (2024) and the Ivan Preston Award for Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Research (2016). Prior to academia, Dr. Stafford held positions with Tupperware Worldwide, Philip Crosby Associates and Cardinal Industries. She is a former columnist for Marijuana Ventures Magazine. She is interviewed by the media regularly and has been quoted in such outlets as the Wall Street Journal and NPR.org.