In this conversation, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Josh Kaplan delve into the complexities of cannabis research, particularly focusing on CBD and its therapeutic potential for conditions like epilepsy. Dr. Kaplan shares his journey into cannabis research, highlighting the significance of understanding CBD's mechanisms, the role of GPR55 in seizure management, and the challenges of dosing CBD effectively. They also discuss the entourage effect, the importance of personalized medicine, and the ongoing research into terpenes and their interactions with cannabinoids. The conversation emphasizes the need for further exploration in cannabis research to develop safe and effective therapies, especially for vulnerable populations like children. In this conversation, Josh Kaplan discusses the therapeutic potential of CBD, particularly in relation to traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. He emphasizes the safety of CBD compared to THC and explores its role in preventative treatments. The conversation also delves into ongoing clinical trials, particularly within the NFL, and the challenges faced in cannabis research, including dosing and the variability of individual responses to cannabinoids. Kaplan highlights the importance of understanding the entourage effect and the need for more personalized approaches in cannabis treatment.

More about Dr. Kaplan:
Dr. Kaplan is an Associate Professor in the Behavioral Neuroscience Program. His expertise is in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and animal behavior techniques, which his lab uses to study the therapeutic benefits and developmental consequences of cannabis in pre-clinical rodent models. His research seeks to optimize cannabinoid and terpene compositions to maximize benefit and minimize adverse consequences.
Dr. Kaplan has a strong passion for teaching and communicating science. His scientific writing specializes in the science of cannabis and its medicinal utility. He was included in High Times' 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis (2018) and Cannabis Newsletter's Top 100 (2021).

Follow Dr.Kaplan’s research:
https://wp.wwu.edu/kaplanlab/

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

Seed Giveaway
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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Timestamps:
00:00
Introduction to Cannabis Research and Its Importance
03:04
The Journey into CBD and Epilepsy
06:00
Understanding CBD's Mechanism of Action
08:54
The Role of GPR55 in Seizure Management
12:00
Exploring the Entourage Effect
14:53
Challenges in Dosing CBD for Multiple Conditions
18:02
Personalized Medicine and Endocannabinoid System
21:01
Researching Terpenes and Their Effects
24:01
Future Directions in Cannabis Research
34:12
The Therapeutic Potential of CBD
36:34
Traumatic Brain Injury and CBD Research
39:34
Clinical Trials and NFL Studies
48:01
Challenges in Cannabis Research
54:27
Dosing and Efficacy of CBD
01:00:24
The Entourage Effect and Individual Variability