Project 1: Cannabidiol’s (CBD) effects on the developing brain. CBD has become well-recognized for it’s therapeutic benefits and low side-effect profile in adults. However, little is known about CBD’s effects on the developing brain. We are testing the effect that weeks of CBD exposure has on the brain and behavior in young mice.
Project 2: Optimizing cannabis’ therapeutic efficacy: Plenty of evidence suggests that whole-plant extracts containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes convey enhanced therapeutic benefits, and wider effective dose ranges, than single cannabinoids on their own. We are seeking to identify optimal compositions of cannabinoids and terpenes that yield wider and more effective dose ranges for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social interaction deficits.
Project 3: The therapeutic effects of terpenes. Aromatic terpenes not only give cannabis its unique odor and flavor, but can influence the effects of the cannabinoids themselves. It’s also becoming increasingly appreciated that the terpenes may contribute their own therapeutic benefits. In collaboration with Abstrax Tech, we are testing the effects of terpenes, either alone, or in mixtures that are consistent with those found in prominent cannabis strains. We are also testing their effects in the presence or absence of cannabinoids.
Project 4: Assessing the therapeutic efficacy of commercially-available hemp products. While the magnitude of global cannabis research has increased, commercially-available products are rarely studied. We are testing the effects of commercially-available hemp products on pre-clinical behavioral assays of anxiety and depression.