NICS — National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium
The most comprehensive interdisciplinary cannabis research conference in the U.S.
| Status | Confirmed |
| Full Name | National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium |
| 2026 Date | October 19–21, 2026 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location | DoubleTree by Hilton, Mission Valley, San Diego, CA |
| Organizer | San Diego Tech Scene |
| Website | sdtechscene.org/event/2026-cannabis-research-conference/ |
About NICS
The National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium (NICS) is billed as the most comprehensive interdisciplinary cannabis research conference in the United States. Unlike events that focus on a single domain — cultivation science, medical research, or policy — NICS spans 12+ disciplines, bringing together researchers from across the academic landscape.
The 2026 edition runs October 19–21, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in San Diego's Mission Valley. The format is academic, with peer-reviewed presentations, poster sessions, and panel discussions.
Disciplinary Coverage
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Clinical medicine
- Public health and epidemiology
- Plant science and agronomy
- Analytical chemistry
- Policy and law
- Sociology and anthropology
- Economics and business
- Neuroscience
- Environmental science
Who Attends
NICS attracts academic researchers, graduate students, clinicians, public health officials, and policy professionals. While industry representatives are welcome, the focus is firmly on rigorous research and evidence-based policy discussion.
Why Interdisciplinary Matters
Cannabis research has historically been siloed: pharmacologists rarely talk to agronomists, clinicians rarely engage with policy experts, and economists rarely interact with sociologists. NICS exists to bridge these silos — recognizing that understanding cannabis requires perspectives from across the academic spectrum.