Cracking the Cannabis Code: How Advances in Cannabis Research Can Improve Medicine and Limit Harm

Dr. Josh Kaplan, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Spring 2019

In his talk, Dr. Kaplan discusses how the cannabis landscape is evolving, leading to more choices for consumers trying to meet their recreational and medicinal needs. He breaks down how cannabis’ different chemicals affect the nervous system and can be optimized for therapeutic purposes. The talk provides research-based insight into strategies for increasing the therapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects from cannabis-based treatment approaches.

Dr. Joshua Kaplan is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. His postdoctoral research at the University of Washington provided empirical and mechanistic support for the use of cannabis-based therapies in epilepsy and introduced its potential for treating severe forms of autism. He runs a laboratory studying developmental consequences and therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Dr. Kaplan is a prolific writer and was named to High Time’s 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis in 2018. The lecture was recorded by and shown on Bellingham TV Channel 10.

Date of Lecture