U of A researcher stands up for cannabis research—and her job

A study on
cannabis being legally funded by Federal researchers or other legitimate
government groups is proof that the industry is well on its way to becoming
accepted by patients and non-patients alike. However, in one recent case, the
arrival of medical cannabis research at the University of Arizona became a proverbial
one step forward and two steps back.

Dr. Sue
Sisley, a well-known cannabis researcher at the University of Arizona and lead
on a major cannabis study, has been let go from her job despite her total of
eight years at the university, according to CNN. “I was on the forefront of the
most controversial research happening at the university. And they did not like
the optics of veterans smoking and vaporizing marijuana on their campus, even
in the context of a rigorous, FDA-approved, randomized trial,” Sisley stated.

Four of
Sisley’s years working at the university were dedicated to arranging a study on
the effect of cannabis on military veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD). It was especially focused on patients who weren’t
responding to other treatments. A total of 70 subjects were entered in a
randomized, triple-blind study that either administered a placebo or a 12
percent dose of THC.

Sisley is also
a psychiatrist who has been working with veterans for over 15 years, which made
her more than qualified to do the job. Once the university decided not to renew
her contract, she believed there was more behind their decision than simply
letting her go. “They won’t give us a reason and they certainly don’t want to
admit it’s political. Job performance is not the issue here. It’s about the
university being fearful of the word ‘marijuana’ and not wanting their brand
aligned with this research,” Sisley stated.

However, Chris
Sigurdson, a spokesperson for the University, publically announced that a handful
of employees who weren’t taking part in the cannabis research also received
notices of non-renewal and in effect, lost their jobs as well.

The backer
behind the university’s research, the Multidisciplinary Association for
Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), announced that it is still a supporter of the
University’s study. However, the association also stands by Sisley and will work
with her to get her job back before the studies are allowed to resume. Until
then, Sisley is striving to get the program back on track, whether or not the
university approves, “We will somehow persevere and find a home for this work.
So if it’s not at U of A it will be somewhere. We are negotiating with several
other universities,” she stated.