Discussing the latest in cannabis research at Club Lit.
Left to right: David Silverberg, Globe & Mail; Prof. Jörg Fachner, Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research; Dr. Frank Russo, Toronto Metropolitan University SMART Lab; Lena Darakjian, TMU SMART Lab; Dr. Chi Lo, TMU SMART Lab.
Research at Club Lit
Club Lit is a real-world laboratory designed for ecologically valid observational studies—realistic, socially facilitated research in a natural setting. The Club Lit team pioneered this model after operating Lit Research, a Health Canada licensed facility adjacent to Club Lit that has conducted over 12,000 individual product testing sessions and provided research services for more than 50 licensed producers since 2022.
Led by Al Shefsky, Club Lit builds on a foundation of deep research experience. From collaborating with Prof. Rafael Mechoulam on research into a compound related to the endocannabinoid system that showed promising anti-addiction outcomes in animal studies, to launching Body and Spirit Cannabis and Lit Research, Al’s mission has consistently centered on education, stakeholder empowerment, and responsible innovation.
With the opening of Club Lit in 2024—Ontario’s only legally operated cannabis consumption and research lounge offers unparalleled opportunities for brands, the retail community, consumers and researchers to collaborate in a safe, compliant, and education-driven environment.
What academia is Saying
“The research we conduct in this space will break new ground. I am particularly interested in the concept of absorption in music and to see how it might be altered while under the influence. Looking ahead, I can see how this might even open new avenues of research on music-based treatments for mental health.”
— Dr. Frank Russo, phd, Professor of Psychology at TMU; director of SMART lab
“Club Lit provides a unique space to conduct studies in an ecologically valid environment—something most research models lack. This makes a huge difference when exploring psychoactive effects.”
— Dr. Chi Yhun Lo, Senior Research Associate, Toronto Metropolitan University
“Our cannabis and music study would not have been possible without Club Lit’s partnership. Their team and venue enabled a natural, meaningful experience for participants—and a strong foundation for continued collaboration.”