Our lab focuses on how cannabinoids regulate ​homeostatic processes in the brain

​The majority of our work has focused on the endocannabinoid system, which is the biological system that THC, the psychoactive constituent of cannabis, interacts with to exert its effect on the brain and body. The endocannabinoid system acts to maintain homeostasis in multiple physiological processes, but our lab is particularly focused on how it regulates stress responses, affective behavior, and feeding and metabolism.

Endocannabinoid regulation of stress and anxiety

This stream of research focuses on understanding the neural circuits and cell types through which endocannabinoid function is dynamically regulated by stress to modulate neural activity, behavioural processes and neuroendocrine function. The lab also engages in several collaborative translational projects to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating similar processes in humans.

​Representative publications:
(1) Neurobiological interactions between stress and the endocannabinoid system
(2) Corticotropin-releasing hormone drives anandamide hydrolysis in the amygdala to promote anxiety
(3) Endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and the regulation of anxiety​

CB1R expression in the rat amygdala

Cannabinoid regulation of feeding and metabolism

This stream of the research focuses on understanding how both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids (such as THC from cannabis) impact feeding and metabolic processes. This work includes a focus on both molecular pathways by which cannabinoids could influence these outcomes, as well as how endocannabinoid function itself integrates in hierarchical circuits regulating feeding behaviour.

​Representative publications:
(1) Role for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the leptin-mediated effects on feeding and energy balance
(2) Endocannabinoid regulation of homeostatic feeding and stress-induced alterations in food intake in male rats

Variety of rat diets

Impacts of cannabis on the brain

This stream of research uses various animal models to examine the impact of exposure to cannabis during distinct developmental windows, such as in utero or adolescence, on neurodevelopmental and behavioral trajectories into adulthood. This is achieved through the use of vaporization chambers that allow for the controlled delivery of cannabis-derived oil products to mimic the patterns and modes of use by humans. 

Vaporization chamber

Representative Publications:
​(1) Maternal-fetal transmission of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites following inhalation and injection exposure during pregnancy in rats
(2) Pharmacokinetics and Central Accumulation of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its Bioactive Metabolites Are Influenced by Route of Administration and Sex in Rats

Proudly Funded By: