In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Allyn Howlett—renowned neuroscientist and pioneer in cannabinoid research—shares her groundbreaking journey into the study of cannabis and the discovery of the CB1 receptor. Originally focused on neuronal hormones, Dr. Howlett recounts how her curiosity led to one of the most pivotal findings in medical cannabis science: the identification of the brain’s first cannabinoid receptor.
She dives into the mechanisms of THC, the function of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, and the discovery of the endocannabinoid system. The conversation explores the historical development of cannabinoid research, the barriers posed by the pharmaceutical industry, and the evolving relationship between academia and drug development.
Dr. Howlett also discusses the future of cannabinoid science—including targeted therapies, pain relief, and the medical potential of cannabis compounds. This episode offers an essential look at the scientific foundation behind cannabis medicine and its impact on legalization, healthcare, and public perception.
🔬 Keywords: CB1 receptor, endocannabinoid system, THC, cannabis research, Dr. Allyn Howlett, cannabinoid receptors, medical cannabis, neuroscience, cannabis and pain relief, cannabis legalization, targeted cannabinoid therapies.

Follow Dr.Howlett's research:
https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/h/allyn-howlett

Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!
⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156⁠⁠

✨ Want Exclusive Content?
Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one.⁠⁠ www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem⁠⁠
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and more!

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:
https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem
https://instagram.com/cannabichem
⁠⁠https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Cannabis Research
28:49 Discovering Cannabinoid Receptors
36:30 The Impact of Cannabinoid Research
39:01 Understanding THC and Animal Behavior
41:05 The Significance of Cannabinoid Mechanisms
43:43 Industry Reactions to Cannabinoid Discoveries
46:32 The Discovery of Endocannabinoids
49:23 The Importance of Anandamide and 2-AG
51:17 The Discovery of CB2 Receptor
55:01 The Role of Antagonists in Cannabinoid Research
57:51 Clinical Trials and Ramona Bont
01:01:00 Metabolism and Cannabinoid Receptors
01:05:52 Future Directions in Cannabinoid Research
01:11:43 Current Research and Future Prospects