Benjamin Frank Cocchiaro

Dr. Ben Cocchiaro is an Assistant Research Professor at the Drexel Medical Cannabis Research Center. His work bridges clinical practice, public health, and research, with a focus on harm reduction, substance use disorder treatment, and the integration of medical cannabis into care for complex patient populations. He brings over a decade of experience in community-based medicine. Dr. Cocchiaro’s research explores innovative approaches to overdose prevention, wearable health technologies, and the clinical applications of cannabinoids. He has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and has presented nationally on topics such as buprenorphine induction, contingency management, and trauma-informed care. His work is grounded in a commitment to health equity and community engagement, particularly among people who use drugs and those impacted by incarceration. In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Dr. Cocchiaro is also active in public health advocacy and has served on the Philadelphia Mayor’s Task Force to Combat the Opiate Epidemic.