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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Potential Health Effects of Heavy Metals in Cannabis Flower, Concentrates, Vape Devices, and Vape Emissions (2022)
Mike Van Dyke, PhD
Associate Professor, Center for Health, Work, and Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Inhalation exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, mercury, and manganese can increase the risk for cancer as well as neurological, renal, cardiovascular, and hepatic outcomes. Smoking or vaping cannabis […]
Observational Study of the Effects of Acute Cannabis Use on Ocular Activity Relevant to Driving (2021)
Ashley Brooks-Russell, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor, Director (IVPC), Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Police officers have long recognized that changes to the eyes, such as changes to the pupils or eye movements, can be a sign of recent drug use. Emerging research has found that changes to eye movement may […]
Quantification of Endo- and Phytocannabinoids with Comparison to Pain Medication Requirements and Surgical Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery for Cancer (2021)
Camille Stewart, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The use of cannabis is expanding in the United States. There is, however, a critical lacking in our understanding of how cannabis and its associated chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, affect patients after surgery. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery have substantial […]
Defining the Effects of CBD Consumption During Pregnancy on Fetal Neurodevelopment and Postnatal Anxiety (2021)
Emily Bates, PhD
Associate Professor, Pediatrics-Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Morning sickness during pregnancy can be debilitating for a significant portion of women. Because there are not good remedies easily available and marijuana can help with nausea, women are drawn to using it, or the non-psychoactive component cannabidiol (CBD), thinking it is safe […]