IASIC Speaker Series

Monday, August 25th @ 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Join us for the next IASIC Speakers Series with Dr. Densie Valenti for a fascinating exploration of how cannabinoids impact the visual system—from early development to complex neuroprocessing. Drawing on decades of clinical research, this webinar will unpack emerging science on how cannabis use may alter sensory input, visual perception, and brain function, with implications for public health, driving safety, and youth development.

Speaker: Denise A. Valenti, OD, FAAO

About the Speaker: Dr. Densie Valenti is the founder and President of IMMAD, LLC (Impairment Measurement and Marijuana), a company advancing responsible cannabis use through research, consulting, and technology development. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Valenti is a recognized expert in sensory impairment, cognitive dysfunction, aging, vision, and their impact on driving and public safety.

Her career has been rooted in addressing medical inequities, earning her the American Public Health Association’s Vision Care Outstanding Student Award for her pioneering work in aging. During her clinical residency, she specialized in adaptive technologies for driving and helped lead efforts to introduce bioptic head-mounted telescopes for individuals pursuing restricted driver’s licenses.

Dr. Valenti has developed innovative rehabilitation strategies for ocular motility disorders—especially nystagmus—demonstrating that targeted interventions can yield significant visual improvements. Her research has included NIH-funded studies using Optical Coherence Tomography to investigate Alzheimer's disease, and she has explored novel visual field technologies and retinal responses in Parkinson’s disease, with additional studies on abnormal blink patterns, corneal changes, and olfactory dysfunction.

Her dedication to underserved communities has spanned work with the Indian Health Service, operating a clinic for the indigent in inner-city Detroit, and providing homecare during her residency in Houston’s most underserved neighborhoods.

Dr. Valenti is also a certified Social Equity Research License Candidate, a credential awarded by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, highlighting her leadership in equitable, science-based cannabis research and regulation.

Register here!

Monday, September 29th @ 10:00 a.m. Eastern

Join us for the next IASIC Speaker Series with Sir Robin Murray as he examines the pressing question: Is the Rise in Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Unstoppable? A world-renowned psychiatrist and researcher, Sir Robin will explore the growing body of evidence linking high-potency cannabis use to psychotic disorders, particularly among youth. This compelling presentation will unpack recent data, clinical insights, and public health implications—offering a critical look at what can be done to reverse this alarming trend.

Speaker: Sir Robin Murray, FRS, Professor of Psychiatric Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King’s College

About the Speaker: Robin Murray is Professor of Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, London. He was one of the first to suggest that schizophrenia was in part a neurodevelopmental disorder, and he has contributed to the understanding that environmental factors such as obstetric events, drug abuse and social adversity increase the risk of psychosis. He is the most frequently cited psychosis researcher outside the USA, has supervised 80 PhDs and 12 MD Theses, and 40 of his students have become full professors. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2010 and received a knighthood in 2011.

Register here!