Scientists had been investigating cannabis more and more in the second half of the 20th century, and as this research accelerated there was a clear need for an international society to help share data and spark collaboration. The International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) was formed in the early 1990s – and continues to grow.

Roger Pertwee is Emeritus Professor at the University of Aberdeen, UK, Director of Pharmacology at GW Pharmaceuticals and one of the founders of the ICRS. Today, he is International Secretary of the ICRS and has served twice as the society’s president. Here, he tells us how ICRS began.