Cannabinoid regulation of feeding and metabolism

Variety of rat diets
Overview. 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​
Research funded by Brain Canada, BONF, CFI, CIHR, NIH and NSERC. Many thanks to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre, and Alberta Children's Hospital for their support.