High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD

Igor Grant, MD
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SCIENCE

Welcome to High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego. Each month, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey into the evolving world of medicinal cannabis. From groundbreaking research to candid conversations with top scientists and clinicians across the globe. In each episode, Dr. Grant poses five thought-provoking questions to his guest, uncovering their personal journey and unique contributions to the field of medicinal cannabis.

  1. Cannabis & Schizophrenia A causal link? with Deepak D'Souza, MD

    12/01/2025

    Cannabis & Schizophrenia A causal link? with Deepak D'Souza, MD

    In this episode, Dr. Deepak D'Souza, a renowned psychiatrist from Yale University, discusses the complex relationship between cannabis and psychosis. He explores the potential causal links, the role of environmental factors, and the implications of cannabis-induced psychosis as a precursor to schizophrenia. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of cannabis potency and its impact on mental health, drawing parallels with historical public health challenges like smoking and lung cancer. Takeaways • Cannabis can induce transient psychotic symptoms during intoxication. • Cannabis-induced psychosis may be a precursor to schizophrenia. • Environmental factors, like cannabis use, can impact schizophrenia risk. • Cannabis potency has increased, affecting psychosis rates. • Cannabis is a modifiable risk factor for mental health disorders. • Not everyone who uses cannabis develops psychosis. • Cannabis use during adolescence may increase schizophrenia risk. • Genetic predisposition plays a role in cannabis-related psychosis. • Cannabis and schizophrenia have a complex, multifactorial relationship. • Preventing cannabis use in youth could reduce schizophrenia cases. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:19 - Professional Background - Deepak Cyril D'Souza 02:29 - Understanding Psychosis and Cannabis 03:15 - Background on Schizophrenia 05:06 - Symptoms of Psychosis vs. Psychotic Disorders, Causality 10:31 - Cannabis Induced Psychosis 12:28 - Causality: Cannabis and Schizophrenia | The Bradford Hill Criteria for Causality 23:20 - The Role of Genetics and Environment 29:30 - Risk Factors Associated with Schizophrenia 32:29 - Advice for Healthcare Providers and Families

    35 min
  2. Delta-8-THC: A public health perspective with Eric Leas, PhD

    11/02/2025

    Delta-8-THC: A public health perspective with Eric Leas, PhD

    Summary In this conversation, Dr. Igor Grant and Dr. Eric Leas delve into the complexities surrounding Delta-8-THC, exploring its differences from Delta-9-THC, consumer demand, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns. They discuss the implications of state regulations on the market, the need for compliance in cannabis research, and the future of Delta-8-THC regulation. The conversation also touches on the broader landscape of cannabinoids and psychoactive substances, highlighting the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and public health considerations. Takeaways Delta-8-THC is structurally similar to Delta-9-THC but less psychotropic effect.Consumer demand for Delta-8 is driven by its legal status as a hemp product in states without medical or recreational cannabis use regulations.Regulatory challenges exist due to the lack of standardized safety measures.States with legal cannabis markets are concerned about competition from Delta-8 products.Research on Delta-8 is limited, necessitating further studies on its effects.The market for Delta-8 is largely unregulated, raising safety concerns.There is a growing interest in other cannabinoids and psychoactive substances.Compliance checks in cannabis retail are complicated by federal laws.The patchwork of state regulations creates confusion for consumers and manufacturers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Delta-8 THC 02:51 Understanding Delta-8 THC: Differences and Similarities 05:15 Consumer Demand: Supply and Demand Dynamics 09:48 Regulatory Challenges and Safety Concerns 17:01 Research Background and Interest in Delta-8 THC 19:33 Compliance and Regulation in Cannabis Sales 21:50 Redesigning State and Federal Cannabis Policy 24:24 The Future of Delta-8 THC Regulation 27:39 Exploring Other Cannabinoids and Their Implications 32:25 The Broader Landscape of Psychoactive Substances

    35 min
  3. Cannabis Use Among Older Adults with Alison Moore, MD, MPH

    09/30/2025

    Cannabis Use Among Older Adults with Alison Moore, MD, MPH

    In this conversation, Dr. Igor Grant and Dr. Alison Moore discuss the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among older adults, the reasons behind this trend, and the medical applications of cannabis. She highlights the complexities of cannabis use, including its association with comorbid conditions and the challenges in educating both healthcare providers and patients about its safe use. The conversation emphasizes the need for more research and better education in the field of geriatric care regarding cannabis. Takeaways • Alison Moore is the Chief of Geriatrics at UC San Diego. • Cannabis use among older adults is increasing. • Reasons for cannabis use include pain, sleep issues, and anxiety. • Older adults often use cannabis for medical purposes. • The prevalence of cannabis use in older adults varies by survey. • Long-term users tend to prefer smoking, while newer users prefer edibles. • Cannabis use is linked to comorbid conditions like diabetes and heart disease. • Education on cannabis use is lacking among healthcare providers. • Patients often receive cannabis information from non-medical sources. • There is a need for more research on cannabis effects in older adults. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:00 Prevalence and Reasons for Cannabis Use 03:56 Medical Applications and User Experiences 06:41 What Types of Products Are Older Adults Using? 08:32 Cannabinoids and Behaviors in Older Adults 11:40 Cannabis as a Treatment for Dementia Symptoms 13:54 Risk/Benefit for Clinicians Recommending Cannabis 14:38 Different Risks for Different Methods of Use 16:14 Pharmacokinetics of Different Methods of Use 16:45 Sources of Products for Older Adults 19:37 The Stigma of Cannabis Disclosure 20:48 Complexities of Cannabis and Alcohol Use 25:08 Educating Physicians on Cannabis 26:57 Advice for Patients Considering Cannabis 29:58 Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder 32:07 Inhalation vs. Oral Cannabis Use 33:31 Final Thoughts on Cannabis Education 36:16 Outro Bio Alison A. Moore, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF, is a Professor and Chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care, and Director of the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging and the Center for Healthy Aging. She holds the Larry L. Hillblom Chair in Geriatric Medicine. She is a geriatrician who provides primary and consultative care to older adults and a public health researcher whose work focuses principally on older adults with unhealthy substance use. She also has interests in healthy aging, gerontechnology, health equity, and aging and HIV. Dr. Moore has a passion for health equity; she was the inaugural Vice Chair for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Department of Medicine. She is equally passionate about mentorship; in 2019, she was awarded the UC San Diego Health Sciences Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award. She is MPI of an NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (P30AG059299) and has been the recipient of a K24 Midcareer Award in Patient-Oriented Research from NIAAA (K24AA15957). She is an elected member of the Board of Directors of the American Geriatrics Society and is currently its President-elect.

    37 min
  4. Digital Tools for Managing Cannabis Use with Alan Budney, PhD

    09/01/2025

    Digital Tools for Managing Cannabis Use with Alan Budney, PhD

    Summary In episode 10, Drs. Grant and Alan Budney, PhD of Dartmouth explore the intersection of cannabis use and behavioral health, focusing on contingency management as a method for addressing problematic cannabis use. The discussion highlights the integration of digital technologies in interventions, the role of craving in cannabis use, and the challenges healthcare providers face in communicating about cannabis. Additionally, the conversation addresses the co-occurrence of mood disorders with cannabis use and the potential of social media to influence public perception and behavior regarding cannabis. Takeaways Contingency management applies principles of reinforcement to change behavior.Monitoring systems are essential for effective interventions.Incentives are crucial for encouraging positive behavior change.Setting achievable targets increases the likelihood of success.Digital technologies can enhance the accessibility of interventions.Craving is a significant factor in substance use behavior.Real-time assessments can help manage cravings effectively.Healthcare providers need better education on cannabis use.Mood disorders often co-occur with problematic cannabis use.Social media can be leveraged for positive cannabis messaging. Chapters 00:00 Intro - Ecological Momentary Assessment 00:46 Intro 02:06 The Role of Reinforcement Schedules (ContingencyManagement) 10:17 Digital Innovations in Cannabis Treatment 16:19 Privacy Concerns in Digital Interventions 18:57 Exploring the Phenomenon of Craving 20:51 Ecological Momentary Assessment in Action 24:50 Healthcare Providers and Cannabis Communication 32:55 Mood Disorders and Cannabis Use 39:54 The Role of Social Media in Cannabis Education 43:17 Outro Animation.mp4 43:57 Changes in Use Patterns Amid Legalization

    47 min
  5. Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes with Ziva Cooper, PhD

    08/01/2025

    Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes with Ziva Cooper, PhD

    Summary In episode 9, Drs. Grant and Ziva Cooper discuss her research on medicinal cannabis, focusing on gender differences in cannabis response, the therapeutic potential of minor cannabinoids and terpenes, and the opioid-sparing effects of cannabinoids. The conversation highlights the complexities of cannabis research, including regulatory challenges and the need for further studies to clarify the role of cannabinoids in medicine. Takeaways • Dr. Ziva Cooper is a leading researcher in medicinal cannabis. • Gender differences in cannabis response are significant. • Women may be more sensitive to the pain-relieving effects of cannabis. • Minor cannabinoids like CBG show promise for therapeutic use. • Terpenes may enhance the effects of THC without psychoactivity. • Cannabinoids could potentially reduce opioid use in chronic pain patients. • Research on cannabinoids faces significant regulatory hurdles. • Understanding the psychological aspects of pain is crucial. • The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids is still being explored. • Future research is needed to clarify the role of cannabinoids in medicine. Chapters 00:00 CBG for Pain and Appetite Stimulation 00:51 Exploring Sex Differences in Cannabis Response 00:52 Intro 01:24 Understanding Cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and Beyond 01:24 Introduction to Ziva Cooper, PhD 02:17 THC and Sex and Gender Differences 11:09 Minor Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Terpenoids 13:46 Cannabigerol (CBG) for Pain and Appetite Stimulation 20:21 Cannabichromine for Pain 21:48 Exploring Cannabichromine (CBC) and Its Potential 22:21 Understanding Terpenes and Terpendoids (Myrcene and Beta-Caryophyllene) 24:46 The Different Regulatory Status of Terpenes and Terpenoids 26:04 Cannabinoids as Opioid-Sparing Agents 30:22 Cannabinoids and Substance Use Disorders 32:04 The Psychological Experience of Pain 35:14 Advancing Cannabinoid Research in Medicine 38:10 Regulatory Hurdles to Researching Cannabis and Cannabinoids 40:16 Outro

    41 min
  6. Cannabis Advocacy and Regulation with Dale Gieringer, PhD

    06/30/2025

    Cannabis Advocacy and Regulation with Dale Gieringer, PhD

    Summary In episode 8, Drs. Igor Grant and Dale Gieringer discuss Dr. Gieringer’s extensive involvement in cannabis legalization efforts in California, particularly through his work with California NORML. He reflects on the historical context surrounding cannabis laws, the significance of Proposition 215, the first medical marijuana initiative, and the subsequent passage of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational use. Dr. Gieringer emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and research in the field of cannabis, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in harmonizing state and federal regulations. Takeaways • Dale Gieringer has been involved in cannabis reform since 1987. • NORML was founded to advocate for consumer rights regarding marijuana. • Proposition 215 was the first medical marijuana law in the U.S. • The medical marijuana movement gained momentum in the 1990s in San Francisco, CA. • Public support for cannabis legalization has grown significantly over the years. • Proposition 64 decriminalized marijuana and reduced felony arrests. • Research on cannabis remains limited due to federal restrictions. • The medical ID card program in California is underutilized. • There is a need for better education among cannabis dispensary staff. • Future cannabis policy should focus on harmonizing state and federal laws. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:02 – Dr. Geringer's Background 05:54 – What is NORML and CalNORML? 07:05 – The Role of NORML in Cannabis Legalization 10:14 – The Journey of Proposition 215 13:29 – Dr. Tod Mikuriya's Role 16:35 – Dennis Peron and San Francisco's Medical Marijuana Initiative in 1991 18:27 – San Francisco's Patient's Buyers Club & Prop 215 21:04 – Ballot Measures in California & Prop 215 23:20 – Rescheduling Cannabis 24:24 – Prop 19, Prop 64, & Adult Use Legalization 35:35 – Future Directions for Cannabis Legislation 37:10 – The State of Medical Cannabis in California 42:50 – Outro

    43 min
  7. Nuances of the Endocannabinoid System with Daniele Piomelli, PhD

    05/30/2025

    Nuances of the Endocannabinoid System with Daniele Piomelli, PhD

    In episode 7, Dr. Igor Grant and Dr. Daniele Piomelli examine intricacies of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), exploring its mechanisms, functions, and implications in health and medicine. They discuss the role of cannabinoids in signaling, the distribution of cannabinoid receptors, and the ECS’s influence on feeding behavior, pain management, and social interactions. The conversation highlights potential therapeutic approaches targeting the ECS, highlighting differences between central and peripheral Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, while also addressing the challenges faced in drug development and the need for further research. Takeaways The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is crucial for cellular communication.The ECS operates on-demand, producing endocannabinoids when needed.Cannabinoid receptors are widely distributed throughout the body.2-AG acts as a circuit breaker in the brain's signaling.Anandamide plays a role in stress coping and social bonding.The ECS influences feeding behavior and hunger regulation.New drug classes targeting the ECS show promise for obesity management.Pain management through ECS modulation is complex and requires careful study.Research into para-cannabinoids (e.g., Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)) may reveal new therapeutic avenues.The ECS's role in social interactions is an emerging area of interest. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System 08:16 - Understanding the Endocannabinoid System 18:02 - Functions and Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptors 20:00 - Endocannabinoids and Feeding Behavior 28:26 - Endocannabinoids in Pain Management 37:22 - Endocannabinoids and Social Interactions 44:53 - Surprises and Future Directions in Research

    39 min
  8. Cannabis Use Disorder with Meg Haney, PhD

    05/01/2025

    Cannabis Use Disorder with Meg Haney, PhD

    In episode 6, Dr. Grant and Dr. Meg Haney delve into thecomplexities of Cannabis Use Disorder, exploring its definition, withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological dependency associated with cannabis use. They discuss the impact of cannabis on sleep and mood, the prevalence of CannabisUse Disorder among those with psychiatric conditions, and the challenges in treating cannabis dependency. The conversation also highlights the intersection of cannabis use with other substances, particularly tobacco, and emphasizes theneed for further research to understand the therapeutic benefits and risks of cannabis use. Takeaways Cannabis Use Disorder is characterized by preoccupation and disruption in life.Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, and disrupted sleep.Cannabis can lead to psychological dependency, similar to other substances.The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary among individuals.Cannabis withdrawal can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to nightmares.Cannabis is often used for sleep, but it may not be effective long-term.The prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder can be higher among those with psychiatric conditions.Treatment approaches for Cannabis Use Disorder include medications like Nabilone.Tobacco use can predict worse outcomes in treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder.Future research is needed to understand the effects of cannabis on pain and tolerance.  Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Introduction of Meg Haney, PhD 01:45 - Cannabis Use Disorder Defined 03:22 - Cannabis Dependence & Withdrawal Symptoms 07:49 - Cannabis & Sleep 09:46 - Withdrawal & Anxiety 10:47 - Cannabis Withdrawal Compared to Alcohol, Tobacco& Other Substances 13:45 - The Complexity of Cannabis Use and Dependency 19:33 - Treatment Approaches for Cannabis Use Disorder 25:41 - The Intersection of Cannabis and Other Substances 32:22 - Future Research Directions in Cannabis Studies 34:25 - Closing Thoughts 36:24 - Outro

    34 min
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About

Welcome to High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego. Each month, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey into the evolving world of medicinal cannabis. From groundbreaking research to candid conversations with top scientists and clinicians across the globe. In each episode, Dr. Grant poses five thought-provoking questions to his guest, uncovering their personal journey and unique contributions to the field of medicinal cannabis.

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