A Window of Opportunity: Understanding Risks of Cannabis Use During Breastfeeding to Inform Cessation Strategies (2026)
Brianna Moore, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Core Research Co-Director for Environmental Sciences, Lead Center, Colorado School of Public Health, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Cannabis use during breastfeeding has become increasingly common. While breastfeeding offers many benefits, THC and CBD can pass to the infant through breastmilk. Many women who use cannabis before pregnancy may avoid breastfeeding because […]
Acute and chronic cannabis use and propofol-based sedation (2026)
Ana Fernandez-Bustamante, MD, PhD, FASA
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Research Data Informatics Director University of Colorado School of Medicine
After surgery, frequent cannabis users present a greater risk for postoperative myocardial infarction, surgical pain, and paradoxical hyperemesis. Frequent cannabis consumption poses challenges to anesthesia requirements that are still not well understood: Frequent cannabis use increases anesthesia […]
Effects of cognitive decline, age and tolerance on cannabis-impaired driving in older adults: observational study (2025)
Carolyn DiGuiseppi, MD, PhD, MPH.
Professor of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Many adults ages 65 and older who regularly use cannabis have driven under its influence. Yet there is little research to understand how cannabis affects driving in this age group. Conditions that may affect older adults, such as […]
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 […]
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 […]
Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons resulting from vaped or dabbed cannabis/cannabis-derived products with known adverse health effects (2023)
Alison Bauer, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
According to the 2021 Health Kids Survey (CDPHE), among kids who use cannabis in Colorado, ~16% vape and ~22% dab cannabis. Cannabis vaping and electronic dabbing could lead to emissions of toxicants that are currently not tested, that are […]
Identifying the neuronal cell-types responsible for the rewarding and aversive properties of THC (2023)
David Root, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder
Marijuana is among the most widely used psychoactive substances across the world. The active ingredient in marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has rewarding qualities and some individuals will become addicted to using it. THC has aversive properties as well at higher doses. On the […]