The Buffalo Institute for Genomics and Data Analytics (BIG) — a University of Buffalo program —has announced a strategic partnership with MMJ International Holdings. (MMJIH.com)

The University of Buffalo Bio Informatics and Genomics Center (BIG), part of the Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion investment to grow jobs through the innovation economy, will invest $800,000 in support of MMJ International Holding’s medical cannabis research project in Buffalo.

MMJ International Holdings is the holding company managing multiple subsidiaries focused on advancing the science of medical marijuana through patient clinical research and the operation of medical cannabis healthcare businesses. The company is committed to taking a scientific approach to prove the efficacy of marijuana as a legitimate and effective medicine.

“MMJ International Holdings is working to attract the talent necessary for its medical cannabis research businesses to continue to bolster the economic growth in upstate and Western New York”, Tom Ryan COO said. “MMJIH’s move to Buffalo will create jobs, generate economic opportunity, and strengthen the region’s role as a leader in the future of the development of cannabis medicine. This partnership is a great economic stimulant for Buffalo and MMJ International Holdings. This team will place Western New York in the forefront of medical cannabis research internationally.”

The economic development partnership of the University of Buffalo and MMJIH will enable MMJIH to be the leader in medical cannabis clinical trials. Circuit Clinical, another University of Buffalo company, will assist MMJ International Holdings to bring new patients and physicians into medical marijuana clinical trials. A MMJIH proprietary telemedicine technology will significantly enhance outreach to doctors and their patients. The partnership could enable MMJ International Holdings to create over 100 jobs in the next five years. The University of Buffalo "BIG" investments will be made in increments as MMJ achieves annual job, investment, and product development milestones. In addition, part of its engagement with the University of Buffalo Bio Informatics and Genomics Center, MMJ International Holdings will expand its technology platform and bring software development jobs to Buffalo.

Chairman Timothy Moynahan commented, “By combining the University’s assets with those of MMJ, a positive economic impact can be achieved, while simultaneously enhancing medical cannabis clinical trial opportunities for Buffalo. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) granted to the University of Buffalo, will pilot MMJ’s novel software methods which accompanied by rigorous scientific research will result in a data driven product formulation. While the partnership is a business enterprise there is no doubt it has altruistic dimensions; to provide safe and efficacious cannabis medicines, that alleviate pain, replace opioids, and diminish or eliminate disease.”

“Partnering with UB BIG helps us transform the patient experience in clinical research,” said MMJIH CEO, D Boise. “By enhancing our capabilities to develop technology, facilitate genomic research, and further the healthcare delivery system of medical cannabis through our relationship with UB, we’ll increase patient’s participation in a way that hasn’t been done before. We’ll bring patients the latest research advances in the safety and treatment of medical marijuana products. Our goal is to develop scientifically validated cannabis medicines and to facilitate their transition from the laboratory to the market place at lower costs.”