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About Pablo Espinosa Real

Pablo Espinosa Real | LinkedIn

As you can see in my CV, I’m a passionate individual committed to creating real change in my country, Mexico. I’ve coordinated teams and led community development projects through the NGO TECHO, driven by the belief that concrete action can improve people’s lives. Even before beginning my degree in Environmental Horticulture at the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), I had a strong personal and academic interest in the Cannabis genus. Since then, I’ve dedicated my entire undergraduate career to deepening both the theoretical and practical knowledge of cannabis cultivation.

Currently, I’m writing a scientific article that analyzes and evaluates the legal and commercial framework of medicinal cannabis in Mexico, with the aim of contributing to its long-overdue regulation. In Mexico, there are no officially registered medicinal cannabis varieties, and all products on the market are either imported or unregulated—making them expensive, hard to access, and lacking the quality standards that ensure safety and efficacy. My long-term goal is to develop and register the first cannabis variety for exclusive medicinal use in Mexico, supporting both public health and economic justice for smallholder farmers who currently earn very little from crops like maize or coffee—when cannabis could offer them a far better alternative.

To support this mission, I’m seeking a 560-hour internship at a company or research center focused on cultivar development and breeding. That said, I’m also open and eager to learn from any part of the cannabis supply chain, as I value every opportunity to grow. The administrative process with my university is simple and involves only three forms. In addition to my academic background, I bring complementary skills in photography, landscaping, multimedia editing, volunteer leadership, PC assembly and maintenance. I also hold a valid U.S. tourist visa and am currently preparing for J-1 Intern Visa sponsorship.

J-1 Visa Information for Internship in the United States

As an international student currently completing my degree at UAQ, I meet all the requirements to apply for a J-1 Intern Visa. This visa would allow me to participate in a structured, short-term training program aligned with my academic background in agricultural sciences and sustainability.

I’m aware of the official national list of J-1 program sponsors authorized by the U.S. Department of State, and I’m capable of independently selecting and applying through the sponsor that best suits the host institution. For example, in the case of CRC, I have considered a sponsor affiliated with Clemson University, the alma mater of Dr. Justice.

Here is a summary of the program’s main requirements and how I meet them:

• ✅ Currently enrolled in a foreign degree-granting academic institution → I’m in the final stage of my studies at UAQ.

• ✅ Seeking practical training in my field of study → My internship is a degree requirement focused on cannabis horticulture and breeding.

• ✅ Internship will not exceed 12 months → Only 560 hours are required, equal to approx. 3.5 to 6 months.

• ✅ Not a substitute for employment → I’m applying as a student to gain academic and technical experience.

• ✅ Structured and educational program → I seek guided mentorship, hands-on work, and meaningful learning experiences.

• ✅ No unskilled labor, medical care, or clerical work → My field is plant science and genetics.

• ✅ Willing to comply with evaluations and regulations → I fully accept all program guidelines.

• ✅ Valid U.S. tourist visa and ready for sponsorship → I’m already visa-ready and prepared to start the J-1 process once a host is confirmed.
  

I’m fully committed to respecting all program regulations and to making the most of this educational and cultural exchange opportunity.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Allison Justice and her team for allowing me to join the CRC community. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be part of this network of professionals committed to advancing cannabis research. Being here will be an incredible support in my search for a meaningful internship opportunity, and I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to connect, learn, and contribute.