RM-CRC Award Recipients
2023 Awardee: Yoni Ashar, PhD
"Effects of Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol on Pain Processing Pathways in Older Adults"
Abstract: Ashar Yoni Abstract P50 Pain fMRI Pilot
Yoni Ashar, PhD
University of Colorado-Anschutz
2023 Awardee: Josh Gowin, PhD
"The Effects of Hemp-Derived CBD on the Neural Basis of Cannabis-Cue and Emotion Related Processing"
Abstract: Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise as a therapeutic for cannabis use disorder. A small trial found that CBD reduced cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms, and it is well tolerated. Despite these promising findings, the role of CBD in reducing cannabis-related symptoms has remained unclear. To help better understand CBD’s effects, it would be important to better understand its mechanism of action. This proposal will enhance understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of hemp-derived CBD and how these mechanisms relate to symptoms of cannabis use disorder. We aim to determine whether hemp-derived CBD alters cannabis cue-related neural response. A subsample of 52 participants will be recruited from the larger Project 1 (“emerging adult”) randomized controlled trial comparing 400mg/day hemp-derived CBD to placebo. We will conduct a functional MRI scan at enrollment and after 8 weeks in the trial. During the scan, we will conduct a cue-reactivity paradigm with cannabis-related imagery. We also aim to determine whether hemp-derived CBD alters emotion-related neural response. During the scans, we will administer an emotion regulation task. This will allow us to examine response to negative imagery and ability to modify emotional experience via cognitive control.
Josh Gowin, PhD
University of Colorado-Anschutz
Rocky Mountain Cannabis Research Center (RM-CRC)
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1890 N. Revere Ct., Aurora, CO 80045
Email: rmcrc@cuanschutz.edu