E21 - Mind Over Marijuana: Unraveling Cannabis and the Brain

In this thought-provoking episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Dr. Matthew Hill, a leading expert in cannabis research, to discuss the complex relationship between cannabis and the brain.

With the growing popularity of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use, there are many misconceptions about its effects. Dr. Hill breaks down the science behind cannabis, explaining its components (like CBD and THC), how it interacts with the brain, and its potential benefits and risks. From short-term effects to long-term impacts, including concerns about cannabis and psychosis, this conversation provides a balanced and informative perspective on what we know—and what we still need to understand—about cannabis use.

Dr. Hill also shares his groundbreaking research on the therapeutic potential of cannabis for conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Whether you’re curious about cannabis’s role in mental health treatment or just want to clear up some of the myths, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights.

🔗 Topics Covered:

• The basics of cannabis and its components
• Acute vs. long-term effects of cannabis use
• Cannabis and psychosis: What the science says
• Exploring cannabis for medical treatments
• Public opinion vs. scientific research
• Misconceptions about cannabis: Indica vs. Sativa

🌿 Tune in to get a clearer understanding of cannabis and its impact on the brain—straight from a researcher at the forefront of this field.

🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:

• CCIC Education: https://cciceducation.com/
• NOVA/PBS: The Cannabis Question: Watch here
• Dr. Matthew Hill's Lab: http://www.hill-lab.ca/
• Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: English version
• For Youth: Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: Canada's guidelines for youth

📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.

🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!

❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos