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, pharmacological, and electrophysiology techniques coupled with novel passive inhalation 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
(3/18/24) Our lab members continue to be successful achieving postbac opportunities. In just the last month, Alana Sullivan was accepted to the NIH IRTA Postbac program, Gabi Quinn was accepted to the Fred Hutch postbac internship program, Jenika Staben was accepted at the University of Washington’s Medical School, Isaac Heiman was accepted to Washington State University’s Medical School, and Farrell Mahmud was accepted to Pacific Northwest University-Health Sciences Medical School. Wow! Congratulations everyone! You make us proud.
(12/15/23) Lauren Gilman was awarded an RSP Undergraduate Research Award to study the impact of phytocannabinoids on the gut-brain axis and microglia activation. The award will help fund the purchase of antibodies used for immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Congratulations, Lauren!
(6/7/23) Taylor McGillis was awarded an RSP Graduate Research Award ($1500) to study the protective effects of CBD and beta-caryophyllene against the damaging effects of early life stress. Congratulations, Taylor!
(5/25/23) Our manuscript, “Cannabidiol and cannabis-inspired terpene blends have acute prosocial effects in the BTBR mouse model of Autism Spectrum Disorder” was published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. Congratulations to the six student authors who contributed to this exciting work!
email: josh.kaplan@wwu.edu