A vaccine for Cannabis: Inducing Thermal Stress Memory (2026)
Sanghyuck Park, PhD
Associate Director of Research, Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado’s cannabis growers face escalating threats from climate volatility. The region’s Rocky Mountain topography exposes crops to sudden cold fronts and extreme heat events that suppress photosynthesis, degrade cannabinoid profiles, and reduce biomass, conditions that existing plant defense mechanisms are frequently insufficient […]
Influence of Regular Cannabis Use on The Endocannabinoid Response To A Standardized Stimulus (2026)
Christopher Bell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University
The endocannabinoid (i.e. endogenous cannabinoid) system is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of many physiological systems and functions. People who frequently use products derived from Cannabis sativa L. are exposed to exogenous cannabinoids. The influence of this exogenous exposure on the […]
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 […]
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 […]