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Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV

The Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV (CPI) will position UNLV 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 UNLV 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.

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Headshot of Riana Durrett

Meet the Director

Riana Durrett was appointed as director of the UNLV 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 UNLV, Durrett currently serves on the Boards of the Nevada Taxpayer Association and the Nevada Conservation League.

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CPI Advisory Board Members

The CPI Advisory Board, with a wealth of expertise, consults with the Director and UNLV’s President to help ensure the CPI's impact and success.

  • Chris L. Heavey, Ph.D.
    Executive Vice President and Provost, Professor of Psychology
  • Leah Chan Grinvald
    Dean and Richard J. Morgan Professor of Law
  • David Hatchett, Ph.D.
    Vice President for Research, Executive Director of Research Infrastructure, and Professor of Chemistry and Radiochemistry
  • Marc J. Kahn, MD, MBA, MACP, FRCP
    Dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, VP for Health Affairs
  • Tick Segerblom
    Clark County Commissioner, District E
  • Robert R. Ulmer, Ph.D.
    Dean, Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
  • Andrew Woods
    Director, Center for Business and Economic Research
  • Judah Zakalik
    Attorney, cannabis cultivation business owner and operator
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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 UNLV'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.

Affiliated Faculty