ICR State FY21

The economic downturn caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic affected the ability of many institutions to continue conducting research and the available funding for research was reduced for FY21. This reduction resulted in a delay of the funding of new research projects through an RFA for FY22, though funding possibilities returned to the ICR in FY22. In spite of this reduction and the inability to fund new projects, the ICR continued to carry out a set of six multi-year projects for PIs Drs. Sanghyuck Park, Annette Gabaldón, Brian Vanden Heuvel, Barbara Brett-Green, and Eun Soo Kim that had been reviewed and awarded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cannabinoid Conversion to CBN During Hemp Extraction and Post-Extraction Fluorination of CBD and CBN for Increased Bioavailability (2021)

Ken Olejar, PhD
Colorado State University Pueblo

Large numbers of therapies originate from compounds originating in plants. Cannabinoids produced by industrial hemp are a group of compounds that are emerging for potential medical use. One problem that exists with all-natural compounds is their bioavailability. Studies have shown that when many of these compounds are given at therapeutic […]

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Short-term Effects of Cannabis use and Cannabinoids in Youth: A Sibling-Comparison Study (2021)

Jarrod Ellingson, PhD
Assistant Professor, Psychiatry-Substance Dependence, University of Colorado School of Medicine

In the last 10 years, cannabis has become more accessible and more potent in tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] content. Prior studies have linked earlier cannabis use and greater THC potency to adverse mental health outcomes. However, these studies generally suffer from two important limitations. First, […]

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Microbiome-Mediated Effects of Cannabis and CBD on Neurotransmitter-Related Molecular Networks and Anxiety (2021)

Nichole Reisdorph, PhD
Professor Mass Spectrometry Facility Director, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Orally consumed Cannabis and extracted cannabidiol (CBD) products are becoming widely used supplements for a range of health disorders, including depression and anxiety. However, there is limited understanding regarding how Cannabis and CBD affect those living with these […]

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Anti-Cancer Potential of Fermented Dietary Hempseed (CANNABIS SATIVA L.) Metabolites and the Role of CB Receptors in Human Colon Cancer Cell CACO2 Viability, Proliferation, and Energy Metabolism (2021)

Dr. Annette Gabaldón, Biology

The objective of this study is to determine whether metabolites generated through probiotic fermentation of dietary hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) exert anti-cancer effects. Specifically, we will culture human colorectal carcinoma cells Caco-2 in growth media supplemented with hempseed fermentation supernatant and test for alterations in cell viability, proliferation, and energy metabolism.

Previously, […]

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Effects of Dietary Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) on Growth Patterns, Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, and Gut Microbiota Diversity in Memale C57BL/6J Mice (2021)

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, […]

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Applications of Industrial Hemp (2021)

Dr. Brian Vanden Heuvel, Biology

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 industrial hemp […]

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An Ongoing Investigation Into the Effects of Medicinal Cannabis on Seizures in Adults with Medically Refractory Epilepsy (2021)

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 bioanalytics company, […]

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