Project Overview

Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC) Neuroscience Fellowship in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Roughly 10-20% of people self-report use of cannabis during pregnancy. Human studies and animal models have shown that exposure to cannabis during pregnancy may lead to reduced growth and behavioural deficits. Animal models, which can control for dosage and timing, can ask specific questions about the neural mechanisms causing long-term effects. Cannabis produces its effects through acting on the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in development of the brain and suppression of the immune system. Thus, cannabis exposure during development may have long-term effects on behaviour and brain functioning through alteration of the endocannabinoid and/or immune systems. Our proposed research will utilize a translational relevant animal model of inhaled cannabis exposure during pregnancy to examine the long-term effects on social and emotional behaviour, stress reactivity, and endocannabinoid and immune system functioning.

Principal Investigator

Samantha Baglot , University of Calgary

Partners and Donors

Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC)