116th Distinguished Research Lecture: Kent Hutchison
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Cannabis Across the Lifespan
Thursday, April 22, 2021, 4–5 p.m. MST (Virtual via Zoom)
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- Support or learn more about theÌýÌýdiscussed during Professor Hutchison's lecture. The fund provides support to underrepresented students majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
In the last six years, the U.S. has witnessed enormous changes concerning the public acceptance and availability of cannabis. Only two states have not legalized access to products with THC or CBD. This trend extends beyond the U.S.; Canada legalized cannabis nationwide in 2019, and Mexico did so in 2021. In short, cannabis products areÌýnowÌýwidely available across North America and the cannabis industry is expected to exceed $60 billion per year in a few years. The demographics of cannabis use is also changing, with aging adults showing the most rapid increase in use, especially since 2007. Considering these trends, it is imperative to understand the effects of cannabis products that are widely available in state-regulated markets.Ìý
Professor Hutchison’sÌýpresentation will focus on two areas of research,Ìýdriven by the following questions:
- How does the presence or absence of the primary constituent cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) influence the health effects of cannabis products?Ìý
- How do the health effects of cannabis products differ across the lifespan?Ìý
The overarching objective of this research is to provide patients, their family members and public health officials with data that can be used to reduce the potential for harm and maximize the potential benefits of cannabis and hemp products.
Kent Hutchison, PhD,ÌýanÌýadjunct professor of psychology and neuroscience at CU Boulder, was recently appointed to a faculty position at the Anschutz Medical Campus where he is a professor of psychiatry in the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Dr. Hutchison has been an NIH funded scientist for the past 20 years and has published numerous papers in the area of substance use. HeÌýrecently served on the National Academy of Sciences committee that published a comprehensive report on the health effects of cannabis in late 2016.ÌýDr. Hutchison has also recently given two congressional briefings on this subject matter. He is also the principal investigator (or co-investigator) on three new NIH funded studies that examine the effects of cannabis products (e.g.Ìýflower, edibles, concentrates) purchased in the state of Colorado.Ìý