Naturally produced cannabinoids for pain management and neuroprotection from concussion during participation in contact sports

This research will be a multi-centre project to investigate the effects of medical cannabis, i.e., cannabinoid formulations, on their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties for concussion. We hypothesis that our CBD formulation can be used safely on a daily basis and will help to reduce the number and severity of concussions during contact sport competition. We will also investigate whether a combination of CBD, THC, and nutraceutical supplements can be used to reduce chronic pain and reduce prescription pain medications. We will use an integrative human biology model to assess how the cannabinoids affect clinical outcomes (number of concussions), physiological and neurophysiological variables (brain blood flow and oxygenation, heart function), biopsychological variables (pain/anxiety questionnaires, sleep), perceptual-cognitive variables (reaction time, memory), and functional motor-performance (muscular strength and power). Blood samples will be taken to assess how the cannabinoids are used in the body, and saliva samples will be used to determine what genes contribute to metabolic functions in the brain (e.g., neurotransmitters).

Faculty Supervisor:

Patrick Neary

Student:

Partner:

My Next Health Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Regina

Program: