Cannabis Science, Inc. Initiates the Scientific Validation of the Biological Impact of Cannabinoids in Order to Better Define the Therapeutic Mechanism of Action Using Biochemical, Cell, and Genetic Approaches

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO--(Marketwired - Jul 17, 2015) -  Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC PINK: CBIS), and a key member of its scientific advisory board, Harold C. Smith, Ph.D., Professor in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Oncology and the Center for RNA Biology at the University of Rochester, School of Dentistry and Medicine, have prepared the blueprint for establishing basic science exploration and explanation for medicinal benefits associated with cannabinoid products. The goal will be evaluate, through scientific proven methods, cellular responses to cannabinoids that can be correlated and eventually directly ascribed as the 'drug-targets'.

"We are entering an era of legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes and yet unlike most prescribed drugs, we do not understand how and why these products work," says Dr. Smith. "On the other hand, drug discovery and drug development across the globe follows, and in fact, demands adherence to a set of metrics for data collection based on rigorous scientific testing using state-of-the-art methods. These tests seek to proof which molecules (targets) in cells drugs are interacting with, establish proof-of-concept for the therapeutic value of the drug and assess the dosing, metabolism and potential toxic sides effects that may be associated with treatment." 

There is a unique opportunity that rigorous scientific proofs may help diminish the stigma of 'pot' that has held back access to therapeutic cannabis. Dr. Smith has been conducting research since 1976 and has had his own research laboratory at the University of Rochester since 1986 were he has made contributions to research on cancer, heart disease and HIV [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Smith_(scientist)]. His expertise and leadership in biochemistry has led to the establishment of national recognized research, teaching and training programs at the University. In 2003 he founded OyaGen, Inc, a drug discovery and development company in Upstate New York focused on identifying novel drug targets for HIV [http://www.oyageninc.com/]. Dr. Smith is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and reviews during his career, exceeding 10,000 citations.

Dr. Smith received his Ph.D. from SUNY at Buffalo, following BS and MS degrees from Purdue University and an MA degree from SUNY at Buffalo. Dr. Smith also held post-doctoral positions in biochemistry at SUNY at Buffalo followed by three post-doctoral positions in biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical genetics, respectively, at Baylor College of Medicine.

In addition, Dr. Smith is the Founder, President and CEO of OyaGen, Inc., a biotech company in Rochester, New York developing novel therapeutics for infectious disease and cancer. OyaGen has raised in excess of $10 million from venture capital and grants.

Dr. Smith stated, "It feels like the sun may be rising, lighting up a new opportunity for scientific discovery. As a life long explorer and member of the scientific advisory board of CBIS, I hope to bring over 30 years of research experience and high tech thinking to the platform for the commercialization of CS-TATI-1 and CS-S/BCC-1."

"We are honored to have Dr. Smith on our Scientific Advisory Board at Cannabis Science. Dr. Smith's broad experience in multidisciplinary biological research and professional development of therapeutics are consistent with the goals of the Company. This new scientific validation program is proof of Dr. Smith's tremendous and valuable contribution to the Cannabis Science team as we move forward in our drug development programs," stated Mr. Raymond C. Dabney, President & CEO, Co-Founder, Cannabis Science Inc.

About CS-TATI-1
Cannabis Science's research of CS-TATI-1 will be targeted to newly diagnosed patients infected with drug resistant virus, treatment experienced patients with drug-resistant HIV strains, and those intolerant of currently available therapies. Cannabis Science will be pursuing a wide range of NIH based Federal Research Programs such as RO1's, PO1's and SBIRS which exist to support preclinical development of target validation and proof of concept studies. These studies will be implemented through collaborations with leading scientific institutions. Cannabis Science will also be pursuing other clinical research collaborations including the AIDS Clinical Trials Groups (ACTG), the Canadian AIDS Trial Network (CATN) and the European AIDS Trial Network (EATN).

About CS-S/BCC-1
Cannabis Science is currently working to develop preclinical investigations of CS-S/BCC-1 treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The Company has begun preclinical investigations, which are being initiated in Europe for Squamous/Basal Cell carcinomas and Kaposi's sarcoma based on inhibition of carcinogenicity utilizing cannabinoids that have been demonstrated in recent studies to significantly affect tumor necrosis.

About CS-NEURO-1 
In 2013, Cannabis Science submitted patent application N2010968 in Europe entitled "Composition for the Treatment of Neurobehavioral Disorders". The subject of the patent is development of cannabinoid-based formulations to treat a variety of neurobehavioral disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. The first formulation of CS-NEURO-1 in the series of neurobehavioral disorder-targeted products is in pre-clinical development with promising clinical results. We intend to use the invention in food products through a licensing agreement with a partner company and move forward contemporaneously with pharmaceutical grade development in Europe and North America.

About Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of cannabinoid research and development for unmet medical needs. The Company works with leading experts in HIV drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize Phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.

Forward Looking Statements
This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," "intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.