Cannabis and medicine
Problem
People suffering from debilitating and potentially fatal diseases do not find relief with currently available therapeutics.
Solution
Study and optimize the medicinal properties of cannabinoid compounds to develop novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of debilitating and potentially fatal diseases.
Cannabis use and Bioactivity - Potency
Problem
The Cannabis plant produces many phyto-cannabinoids, and highly potent artificial cannabinoids can be synthesized in the laboratory; however, we do not thoroughly understand their bioactivity (therapeutic versus harmful) and potency (amounts needed for bioactivity) in humans.
Solution
Study the impact of plant-derived and artificial cannabinoids use in humans and in laboratory experiments.
cannabis use and development
Problem
Cannabis use during development (the developing embryo, children and adolescence may increase incidence of mental illnesses.
Solution
Study the impact of cannabinoid use during development in humans and laboratory settings to understand its impact on vulnerable tissues, such as the developing brain.
Cannabis use and impairment
Problem
Acute and chronic Cannabis use can lead to behavioral impairment, including motor, attention deficits, sedation and exhaustion.
Solution
Study the impact of cannabinoid use on motor, attention deficits, sedation and exhaustion in humans and laboratory settings to understand its impact.
Prevention
Problem
Prevention professionals and parents want to know how to best communicate with patients (children, adolescents, adults and elderly) about legal Cannabis use.
Solution
To help prevention professionals and parents, researchers at the UW School of Social Work can develop and test preventive interventions for youth and young adults.
Occupational & environmental Health
Problem
Cannabis production exposes workers to under-appreciated and unique occupational hazards.
Solution
To investigate the Cannabis plant and its hundreds of cannabinoids as potential therapeutic alternatives to those suffering from intractable conditions.
Society & health
Problem
Vulnerable populations in Washington State are at higher risk of negative health and social impacts of Cannabis use.
Solution
Research the use of Cannabis products and their marketing among youth, pregnant women, older adults, and people struggling with mental illness to inform policy, treatment, and public health.
Legal
Problem
There is a constant need to optimize the legal system for Cannabis production, sales and use in Washington State.
Solution
Research on the legal framework for Cannabis production, sales and use in Washington State to inform policy.
Plant biology
Problem
Cannabis strain information and optimized cultivation methods are currently unsubstantiated by science.
Solution
Plant biologists can develop genetic information about Cannabis plants, and optimize growing practices targeted to specific products.