It’s Cannabis Awareness Month, and the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) has emerged as a leader in advancing the scientific understanding of Cannabis sativa. In 2017, researchers at the Center for Health & Neuroscience, Genes & Environment (CUChange) launched the nation’s first mobile laboratory, known as the Cannavan, dedicated to studying the plant’s real-time effects on consumers.
Due to cannabis remaining illegal at the federal level, university researchers are prohibited from possessing or providing commercially available cannabis products for academic study. The Cannavan, now a fleet of three customized vans, circumvents this challenge by allowing research teams to travel to off-campus locations where study participants can invite them in for various assessments, including blood tests and cognitive evaluations.
Research Contributions to Cannabis Science
CU Boulder’s research initiatives have produced numerous scientific studies, particularly relevant as most states now permit cannabis for medical use and half allow recreational consumption. Associate Professor Cinnamon Bidwell, who co-leads CUChange with Psychology Professor Angela Bryan, emphasized the program’s unique position: “As one of the first groups in the country to study real-world cannabis use with rigorous, ecologically valid methods, we’ve had the opportunity to lead work that helps bridge science and lived experience—enabling individuals, clinicians, and policymakers to make informed, evidence-based decisions.”
Key Findings in Cannabis Research
Reliability of Cannabis Product Labels
One significant finding from a study published in Scientific Reports revealed that nearly half of cannabis flower products are inaccurately labeled regarding THC potency, often indicating higher levels than what is contained. Conversely, cannabis concentrates, such as oils and waxes, demonstrated high accuracy, with 96% correctly labeled.
Effects of Cannabis on Exercise
A study involving 42 runners, featured in Sports Medicine, found that THC and CBD products can enhance mood and enjoyment during workouts. However, elevated THC levels were also linked to an increased heart rate, making the exercise feel more strenuous.
Cannabis and Anxiety Management
The first randomized trial examining legal cannabis’s impact on anxiety, published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, indicated that CBD could alleviate anxiety without the adverse effects associated with THC. This research is timely, given that one in five U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders.
Cannabis Benefits for Cancer Patients
A study in Exploration in Medicine investigated the effects of over-the-counter cannabis on cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects. This research highlights the diverse range of products utilized by cancer patients in states where marijuana is legal.
Exploring CBD for Cannabis Dependence
An ongoing study at CU Boulder is examining whether cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating component of Cannabis sativa, can aid those with a dependency on cannabis in reducing their usage or quitting altogether.
Developing a THC Breathalyzer
With Colorado and Washington being the first states to legalize recreational cannabis fourteen years ago, the challenge of accurately detecting recent cannabis use and impairment remains. Researchers at CU Boulder aim to develop a reliable THC breathalyzer, using cutting-edge chemistry and the mobile lab to monitor the impact of cannabis in real time.