Beatriz Carlini PhD, MPH

Dr. Beatriz Carlini, PhD, MPH (Bia) is an Acting Associate Professor at the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

Her research career has been dedicated to understanding the public health impact of legal psychoactive substance use (such as alcohol, inhalants, tobacco, and cannabis) and policies on social and health outcomes. Since 2016, Dr. Carlini has led the ADAI Cannabis Research and Education Program, including acting as the Program Chair of the UW Cannabis Research Symposium, and conducting cannabis research that assists Washington community-based agencies, government agencies, and policymakers in making decisions and setting priorities.

Dr. Carlini has been a pioneer on bringing awareness of the sharp increase in the availability and risks of high-THC content products brought by cannabis legalization in WA. In 2020, she chaired the PRSC Cannabis Concentration Workgroup composed of UW and WSU scientists, which authored a Consensus Statement and Report on Cannabis Concentration and Health Risks. In 2021-22, Dr. Carlini led a contract with the WA State Health Care Authority funded by ESSB 5092 to identify areas of common ground and consensus, and develop recommendations for state policies related to cannabis concentration and mitigating detrimental health impacts. As a result, a report to WA Legislature was published in December 2022, with policies recommendations.

As a first-generation immigrant and a foreign-born American citizen, Dr. Carlini is especially interested in the impact of cannabis and tobacco use on perpetuating health and social disparities. Dr. Carlini has a passion for fostering social inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and fighting stigma. She applies an equity lens to her work as a researcher and educator.