The Kaplan lab studies the developmental consequences and therapeutic efficacy of cannabis in pre-clinical rodent models of disease and psychological disorders. To do this, we employ behavioral, genetic, mass spectrometry, pharmacological, and electrophysiology techniques coupled with novel passive inhalation or edible methods that mimic human use patterns. We aim to optimize cannabis’ medicinal benefits, minimize side effects, and better understand its impact on the developing brain.

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Latest news and media

(1/7/25) We’re starting off the New Year with a bang! Our lab was just awarded a 3-year NIH R15 grant that will support student researchers and the purchase of new equipment to improve our research productivity across molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral research areas. The grant, Optimization of cannabidiol-based formulations in autism spectrum disorder, will lead to new insight for improving non-intoxicating (and hopefully safer!) forms of cannabis-based medicines to treat a variety of conditions with brain inflammation at their core. 

(12/3/24) Congratulations to lab alumni, Jasmin Wagner, Ella Gambell, and Tucker Gibbons, on getting their research from their time at WWU accepted for publication! Their article, “Sex differences in the anxiolytic properties of common cannabis terpenes, linalool and β-myrcene, in mice”, was published this morning in the open-access journal, Neurosci. We’re proud of you! 

(7/15/24) Rosa Robbins was awarded a Foundry10 Award AND a Veith Family Scholarship. Wow! These will go towards financially supporting Rosa’s lab research and tuition, respectively. Rosa will use her award to investigate the protective effects of cannabinoids against stress-induced neuroinflammation and impaired neurogenesis using flow-cytometry and immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy. Congratulations, Rosa! 

email: josh.kaplan@wwu.edu