Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Ryan Vandrey is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at Johns Hopkins Medical School. Dr. Vandrey’s research focuses primarily on the behavioral pharmacology of cannabis (marijuana) and includes controlled laboratory studies with adult research volunteers, clinical trials, web-based survey research, and natural history studies with patient populations using cannabis/cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes. He has also been engaged in research on nicotine and tobacco regulatory science and treatment. Dr. Vandrey aspires to conduct objective research that addresses critical questions related to regulation and policy. His work helped characterize the cannabis withdrawal syndrome, has provided novel data about the comparative pharmacokinetics and corresponding pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids across routes of administration, explored medications that are potential adjuncts to behavior therapy in the treatment of cannabis use disorder, examined the effects of cannabis on sleep, and evaluated both the risks and benefits of medicinal use of cannabis/cannabinoids for various health conditions.

Dr. Alex Weisman, Ph.D. in biochemistry, is the founder and owner of Calathea Pharma Ltd., a consulting company providing scientific and business development services in Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls for companies and government institutions. Dr. Weisman has held executive positions as VP R&D and Chief Scientist at a number of Israeli and international pharmaceutical companies and currently serves as an advisor and management team member of companies developing new products for the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. With more than 30 years of experience in the development, characterization, scale-up, technology transfer, troubleshooting, production, and registration of novel and generic drugs, as well as other pharmaceutical and chemical products, Dr. Weisman brings extensive expertise to his consulting role.