Kent Hutchison, PhD
Institute of Cognitive Science Affiliated Faculty & Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major public health burden due to chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae (emotional, physical and cognitive) that negatively affect vocational activities, interpersonal relationships and independent living. Responses of these chronic symptoms to any particular treatment are both variable and, too often, suboptimal. As a result, persons with TBI are frequently prescribed numerous therapies which may or may not be efficacious. Cannabinoids (both CBD and THC) have gained significant public attention as a potential alternative treatment for TBI sequelae. However, the growing perception of the efficacy of cannabinoids for TBI and related pain, mood, and anxiety disorders can be directly contrasted with the limited scientific evidence. Moreover, due to complex regulatory requirements, many individuals use medical cannabis on an “off-label” basis without the appropriate scientific controls to establish efficacy. This project will identify the potential therapeutic effects associated with widely available cannabinoid formulations on TBI-related deficits in cognitive function and self-reported anxiety, depression, sleep, and pain. The proposed study relies on a gold-standard methodology and maximizes the generalizability of findings, despite the current regulatory environment for cannabis research.