High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD
High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD
Podcast Description
Welcome to High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego. Each month, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey into the evolving world of medicinal cannabis. From groundbreaking research to candid conversations with top scientists and clinicians across the globe. In each episode, Dr. Grant poses five thought-provoking questions to his guest, uncovering their personal journey and unique contributions to the field of medicinal cannabis.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into various topics surrounding medicinal cannabis, including its impact on pain management, the role of neuroimaging in understanding substance use, and cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, with specific episodes discussing the Cannabis Act in Canada and its implications for the U.S. as well as the relationship between cannabis and driving impairment.
Welcome to High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego. Each month, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey into the evolving world of medicinal cannabis. From groundbreaking research to candid conversations with top scientists and clinicians across the globe. In each episode, Dr. Grant poses five thought-provoking questions to his guest, uncovering their personal journey and unique contributions to the field of medicinal cannabis.
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 potential therapeutic approaches targeting the ECS, highlighting differences between central and peripheral Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, while also addressing the challenges faced in drug development and the need for further research.
Takeaways
- The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is crucial for cellular communication.
- The ECS operates on-demand, producing endocannabinoids when needed.
- Cannabinoid receptors are widely distributed throughout the body.
- 2-AG acts as a circuit breaker in the brain’s signaling.
- Anandamide plays a role in stress coping and social bonding.
- The ECS influences feeding behavior and hunger regulation.
- New drug classes targeting the ECS show promise for obesity management.
- Pain management through ECS modulation is complex and requires careful study.
- Research into para-cannabinoids (e.g., Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)) may reveal new therapeutic avenues.
- The ECS’s role in social interactions is an emerging area of interest.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System
08:16 – Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
18:02 – Functions and Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptors
20:00 – Endocannabinoids and Feeding Behavior
28:26 – Endocannabinoids in Pain Management
37:22 – Endocannabinoids and Social Interactions
44:53 – Surprises and Future Directions in Research
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.