ICR State FY19

The Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) proposed a new research vision to get insights into fundamental cannabis biology and cannabinoids chemistry to address the intrinsic questions of why Cannabis plants produce the secondary metabolites, how they exploit the molecules for their survival, and what evolutionary benefits they provide.

The ICR research team has launched a genomic consortium for comparative genomics of hemp varieties to better understand genomic structures and genetic regulations underlying cannabinoids biosynthesis and agronomically important traits. ICR also leads a variety of research projects to explore a new agricultural/ therapeutic use of cannabidiol (CBD) using an invertebrate model organism.

An ongoing investigation into the effects of medicinal cannabis on seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy (2019)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Barbara Brett-Green, Psychology

The primary objective for this project is to continue an ongoing study into the effects of medicinal cannabis on seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy. The Principal Investigator has established a partnership with Realm of Caring, a nonprofit organization, to provide support services for patients, and iC42, a […]

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Effects of dietary hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) on growth patterns, body composition, bone mineral density, and gut microbiota diversity in female C57BL/6J mice (2019)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annette Gabaldon, Biology 

The objective of this study is to understand the effects of dietary hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) ingestion on growth patterns, body composition, bone mineral density, and gut microbiota diversity in female C57BL/6J mice. Hempseed is a nutrient-dense food which contains high amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, […]

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Detecting cannabinoid-induced alterations to cellular metabolism using a Seahorse XF Bioanalyzer and monitoring its impact on viral replication (2019)

Principal Investigators: Dr. Annette Gabaldon, Biology, and Dr. Brian Vanden Heuvel, Biology

Cannabinoid receptors are ubiquitous and are found on cells all throughout the body. Endogenous, exogenous, or synthetic cannabinoids can bind to the receptors and trigger a cellular response. It has been shown that activation of the CB1 receptor in liver cells increases metabolic […]

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Rheological characteristics of hemp-based filament composites for 3D printing (2019)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Neb Jaksic, Engineering 

This research investigates flow characteristics of various hemp-based composites used in 3D printing. It is an expansion to the research already in progress. While the current research is based on the goal of optimizing the hemp-plastic ratio in filament composites, this proposed research emphasizes understanding of underlying principles and it […]

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Big data analytics in cannabis research (2019)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Yoanna Long, CIS, Hasan School of Business

The primary objective of this research is two-fold. First, as a continuation of the current ICR-funded research, we will establish a data center to host and analyze cannabis-related data. As a component of the data center, during the next stage we will introduce data analytics […]

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K12 cannabis research project (2019)

Principal Investigator: Tim Peters

This study builds upon the work of the 2017-2018 K12 Pilot Study. The proposed 2018-2019 project will continue the focus on K12 student cannabis use, programs to prevent cannabis use, and interventions to address student violations of cannabis laws. Data will be collected from schools to determine trends in cannabis use […]

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Modulation of NMDA-Receptor Dependent Neurological Function by Dexanabinol (2019)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeff Smith, Biologya

The broad objectives of this proposed research are to characterize the inhibition of GluN2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors in mouse brain by the cannabinoid Dexanabinol (HU-211) and to demonstrate its relevance for modulating NMDA receptor-dependent learning and memory in mice at both the electrophysiological and behavioral levels.

The specific aims are […]

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Applications of industrial hemp (2019)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Brian Vanden Heuvel, Biologya

This project enables an inter-departmental, multi-faculty collaborative workflow that builds on 18 months of previous achievements by the principal investigator and co-principal investigators and established infrastructure through previous ICR funding. We believe that it is time to extend our work to applied projects.

Specifically, this proposal asks: 1) Can […]

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