Funding: External

Diversity-Oriented Chemical Synthesis of CBD Metabolites: Enabling Translational Research (2025)

Samuel L. Gockel, PhD.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Colorado State University Pueblo

Hemp has historical, cultural, and medicinal significance, but modern research has been restricted by regulations. Only recently has cannabidiol (CBD), a major hemp cannabinoid, become widely available in the U.S. Despite being marketed for conditions like pain and anxiety, CBD lacks FDA approval and remains […]

Safety and Efficacy of Oral Cannabis in Chronic Spine Pain (2025)

Emily Lindley, PhD.
Assistant Professor of Orthopedics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Back and neck (spine) pain are common and disabling conditions that affect 70% to 85% of people at some point in their life. Patients with spine pain are often prescribed opioids, which are only moderately effective for managing chronic pain and are associated with the risk of overdose […]

Cannabinoids as a Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2024)

Melissa Reynolds, PhD
Professor, Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a serious digestive system disorder that effects an estimated 50 million Americans. IBS affects women disproportionally and is thus a serious women’s health issue. Researchers have explored various treatment options including pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements as well as dietary changes to […]

Cannabis Use and Neuropsychological Functioning among Emerging and Older Adults (2024)

Rachel E. Thayer, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Very limited research has been conducted on the cognitive effects of cannabis in older adults, despite the increased risk of neurocognitive decline with aging. Among young adults, worse cognitive performance has been associated with earlier age of initiation, regular/higher frequency, and chronicity of […]

Defining offspring cardiovascular consequences of CBD consumption during pregnancy (2024)

Emily Bates, PhD
Associate Professor, Pediatrics-Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The foundation of cardiovascular health is laid in the womb. We will identify new ways to promote lifelong cardiovascular health by studying the impact of potential harmful gestational exposure. How consumption of a cannabis component, cannabidiol (CBD), during pregnancy affects offspring health later […]

Edible Roulette or a Sure Bet? Evaluating Testing Standards and Consistency in Colorado’s Edible Products (2024)

Duncan Mackie, PhD,
Director of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, MedPharm Holdings

Cinnamon Bidwell, PhD,
Institute of Cognitive Science Faculty, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Boulder

This research project seeks to develop standardized edible (chocolate, gummy, drinks, and other) methods which can be used for ISO17025 accreditation and to inform governing bodies as to methods that should be […]

Endocannabinoids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Changes with Cannabidiol (CBD) treatment (2023)

Nicole Tartaglia, MD
Professor, Pediatrics-Developmental Pediatrics University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Children with autism often struggle with behavioral challenges including irritability, anxiety, attention deficits, aggressive behaviors or self-injurious behaviors. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring substances in the human body that bind to cannabinoid receptors and have actions across the body including significant effects on […]

Examination of the bi-directional interactions between phytocannabinoids and a human-associated gut microbiota (2023)

Jessica Prenni, PhD, and Tiffany Weir, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (JP), and Professor, Food Science and Human Nutrition (TW), Colorado State University

In recent decades, the gut microbiome has emerged as a critical regulator of inflammation and immunity in humans and has been associated with the development of numerous chronic […]