High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD

In this episode, Dr. Kent Hutchison discusses how his research on cannabis grew from a background in alcohol and nicotine studies into a broader effort to understand both the risks and potential benefits of cannabis use. He describes findings from large brain-imaging datasets suggesting that lifetime cannabis use was associated with larger regional brain volumes and better performance on some cogn...

Summary In this episode of High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Dr. Matt Springer explains how inhaling smoke from combusted products such as tobacco and cannabis, as well as inhaling aerosol from e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping devices, may impair endothelial function, an early marker of cardiovascular risk. Drawing on rodent and human studies, he reports that chronic tobacco smokers, e-cigarette users, a...

Summary: In this episode, Nathaniel Schuster, MD, Professor and Medical Director of the Center for Pain Management at UC San Diego Health, explores the potential role of cannabinoid therapy in migraine care. Join us as Dr. Schuster shares insights into the benefits, limitations, and practical considerations of this approach, and discusses his latest research on vaporized cannabis for acute migrain...

In this episode, Catherine M. Cahill, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA Brain Research Institute, delves into the fascinating world of terpenes—natural aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants—and their potential therapeutic effects, especially for pain relief. Join us as Dr. Cahill shares her expertise on the mechanisms, research findings, and regulatory status of these promis...

In this episode, Dr. Deepak D'Souza, a renowned psychiatrist from Yale University, discusses the complex relationship between cannabis and psychosis. He explores the potential causal links, the role of environmental factors, and the implications of cannabis-induced psychosis as a precursor to schizophrenia. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of cannabis potency and its impact...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Igor Grant and Dr. Eric Leas delve into the complexities surrounding Delta-8-THC, exploring its differences from Delta-9-THC, consumer demand, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns. They discuss the implications of state regulations on the market, the need for compliance in cannabis research, and the future of Delta-8-THC regulation. The conversation also tou...

In this conversation, Dr. Igor Grant and Dr. Alison Moore discuss the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among older adults, the reasons behind this trend, and the medical applications of cannabis. She highlights the complexities of cannabis use, including its association with comorbid conditions and the challenges in educating both healthcare providers and patients about its safe use. The conv...

Summary In episode 10, Drs. Grant and Alan Budney, PhD of Dartmouth explore the intersection of cannabis use and behavioral health, focusing on contingency management as a method for addressing problematic cannabis use. The discussion highlights the integration of digital technologies in interventions, the role of craving in cannabis use, and the challenges healthcare providers face in communicati...

Summary In episode 9, Drs. Grant and Ziva Cooper discuss her research on medicinal cannabis, focusing on gender differences in cannabis response, the therapeutic potential of minor cannabinoids and terpenes, and the opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids. The conversation highlights the complexities of cannabis research, including regulatory challenges and the need for further studies to clarify t...

Summary In episode 8, Drs. Igor Grant and Dale Gieringer discuss Dr. Gieringer’s extensive involvement in cannabis legalization efforts in California, particularly through his work with California NORML . He reflects on the historical context surrounding cannabis laws, the significance of Proposition 215, the first medical marijuana initiative, and the subsequent passage of Proposition 64, which l...

In episode 7, Dr. Igor Grant and Dr. Daniele Piomelli examine intricacies of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), exploring its mechanisms, functions, and implications in health and medicine. They discuss the role of cannabinoids in signaling, the distribution of cannabinoid receptors, and the ECS’s influence on feeding behavior, pain management, and social interactions. The conversation highlights p...

In episode 6, Dr. Grant and Dr. Meg Haney delve into thecomplexities of Cannabis Use Disorder, exploring its definition, withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological dependency associated with cannabis use. They discuss the impact of cannabis on sleep and mood, the prevalence of CannabisUse Disorder among those with psychiatric conditions, and the challenges in treating cannabis dependency. The conv...

In episode 5, Dr. Grant speaks with Dr. Mark Ware as he discusses the evolution of cannabis use in pain management, the implications of the Cannabis Act in Canada, and the differences in cannabis policies between Canada and the U.S. Dr. Ware highlights the importance of understanding the psychoactive effects of cannabis, the challenges in medical research, and the need for a cohesive regulatory fr...

Dr. Grant speaks with Alex P. Miller, Ph. D. , an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine. This conversation explores the intricate relationship between substance use, genetics, and brain structure, focusing on the ABCD study, which follows children over a decade to understand the onset of substance use and its effects on mental health. Dr. Alex Miller discusses...

In this episode, Dr. Igor Grant speaks with Dr. Jamie Corroon about the impact of cannabis use on cardiovascular health. They explore various studies focusing on heart disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, discussing both acute and long-term effects of cannabis. Dr. Corroon shares insights from his research, highlighting the importance of understanding the relationship between cannabis and c...

In this episode (Recorded in December 2024), Drs. Igor Grant, MD and Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH discuss the potential implications of rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. They explore the current scheduling system, the medicinal value of cannabis, the challenges researchers face under Schedule I, and how rescheduling could impact research and funding. They al...

In this episode, Dr. Tom Marcotte discusses a significant study on the acute effects of cannabis on driving impairment, detailing the methodology, findings, and implications for public safety and law enforcement. The conversation explores how THC levels affect driving performance, the perception of impairment among users, and the challenges of conducting cannabis research in a regulated environmen...