The Science Behind how CBD Works in the Brain with guest Dr. Josh Kaplan

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 Thank you to Royal Queen Seeds and Last Green Valley Seeds for donating to this week's giveaway! To enter, fill out the form below, winners will be selected at random.  https://forms.gle/1vWtsBMGaux9x5Mf6 ✨ 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/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices