Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR) is pleased to announce Dr. Bryon Adinoff as the organization’s new president. He moves into the role previously held by outgoing Founder and now Past-President Dr. David Nathan, who remains as a member of the board of directors.
Members of the board unanimously elected Adinoff to become the organization’s second president during their recent board meeting. Having served for the past two years as DFCR’s Executive Vice President in charge of operations, Adinoff is an internationally-recognized addiction psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and academician.
He was appointed Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2018 following his retirement as Distinguished Professor of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and as a psychiatrist for 30 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has published over 200 papers and book chapters on the neurobiology and treatment of addiction and is Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. In his semi-retired status, he has evolved from focusing on the consequences of substance use itself to the consequences of the drug war. As a Founding Member of D4DPR, his commitment to the goals of D4DPR arises from his desire to ensure that the harsh, punitive prohibition of cannabis use is replaced by a regulatory system which protects both the individual and society.
Nathan initiated the leadership transition in May and steps down as president after six years as head of the organization. “Throughout DFCR’s rapid ascension as the voice of physicians supporting cannabis policy reform, I have told our members and allies that I wanted to step aside when someone comes along with the necessary talent to take our growing organization to the next level,” Nathan said. “I am delighted to announce that we have found that person in Dr. Adinoff, who has repeatedly demonstrated his leadership, organizational skills, and wisdom in a variety of professional settings.”
Adinoff describes the opportunity to serve as DFCR’s president as the opportunity of a lifetime for a physician advocate like him. “David has grown an amazing organization which gives voice to physicians and other health professionals who understand that cannabis prohibition has caused extensive harm, especially in comparison with the relative safety of cannabis itself. Although organized medicine has generally failed to consider the terrible consequences of the drug war – particularly to persons of color – DFCR gives public health advocates an amplified voice which cannot be ignored."
Nathan will now focus on a number of DFCR initiatives including ongoing federal and state legalization efforts, advocacy with medical associations, and the development of labeling standards for all cannabis products.
Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR) serves as a global voice for physicians and other health professionals who support cannabis legalization and science-based regulation. DFCR promotes public education, research, and advocacy to support legislative changes necessary for improved public health, social justice, and consumer protections.
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