High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD

Welcome to High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) 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.

High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD is a science podcast hosted by Igor Grant, MD, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Igor Grant, MD hosts High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD, a science show with 18 episodes published.

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  High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD

  Football, Cannabis, and Following Your Heart with Ricky Williams

  Oct 1, 202621 min

  In this episode, former NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams discusses his experiences with cannabis, social anxiety, and recovery during his football career. He describes how therapy and self-reflection while using cannabis helped him understand his anxiety, and how cannabis became part of a broader approach to recovery that included yoga, stretching, and meditation. He also reflects on the psychological burden of injuries when an athlete’s livelihood depends on physical performance. The conversation explores his experiences with the NFL’s drug-testing program, the shift he sees toward a wellness-focused approach to cannabis, and barriers to research involving athletes. Drawing on his forthcoming memoir, The Long Run, Williams discusses finding meaning beyond others’ expectations. A central message is his call for researchers to listen to people who use cannabis and approach their experiences with curiosity when developing research questions. Chapters : 00:56 Introduction to Ricky Williams and Medicinal Cannabis 02:14 Ricky's Journey with Anxiety and Cannabis 04:15 The Role of Cannabis in Pain Management 06:49 NFL's Changing Perspective on Cannabis 09:29 The Impact of Injuries on Mental Health 12:09 Research and Understanding of Cannabis Use 14:56 Ricky's Upcoming Memoir and Life Lessons 17:16 Stigma and the Future of Cannabis Research 20:26 Stigma and the Future of Cannabis Research 20:26 Outro

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  Episode #18

  Cannabis, the Gut and the Metabolic Paradox with Nicholas DiPatrizio, PhD

  Jul 31, 202634 min

  In this episode, Dr. Nicholas DiPatrizio discusses how the endocannabinoid system helps regulate appetite, nutrient sensing, metabolism, and communication between the gut and brain. He describes findings from mouse studies showing how cannabinoid signaling in the intestinal lining may promote preferences for foods high in fat and sugar and interfere with signals that normally tell the brain when to stop eating. He also explores the “cannabis paradox,” in which cannabis can stimulate appetite while chronic users tend to have lower body weight and a reduced likelihood of type 2 diabetes. The conversation examines research comparing pure delta-9 THC with whole-cannabis extract, including evidence in obese mice that both reduced body weight but only the whole extract reversed diabetes-like metabolic dysfunction. A central message is that therapies targeting cannabinoid receptors specifically in the gut may one day improve metabolic health while limiting unwanted effects on the brain.

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  Episode #17

  Cannabis, Brain, and Aging with Kent Hutchison PhD

  Jun 1, 202627 minS1

  <p>In this episode, Dr. Kent Hutchison discusses how his research on cannabis grew from a background in alcohol and nicotine studies into a broader effort to understand both the risks and potential benefits of cannabis use. He describes findings from large brain-imaging datasets suggesting that lifetime cannabis use was associated with larger regional brain volumes and better performance on some cognitive tests in older adults.</p><p><br></p><p>He also discusses why cannabis may affect adolescents and older adults differently, including age-related changes in the endocannabinoid system. The conversation explores possible neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids, the use...

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  Episode #16

  Cannabis Smoke & Cardiovascular Health with Matthew Springer, PhD

  May 1, 202638 minS2

  <p>Summary</p><p>In this episode of High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, Dr. Matt Springer explains how inhaling smoke from combusted products such as tobacco and cannabis, as well as inhaling aerosol from e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping devices, may impair endothelial function, an early marker of cardiovascular risk. Drawing on rodent and human studies, he reports that chronic tobacco smokers, e-cigarette users, and cannabis smokers all show reduced vascular function.</p><p>He also discusses evidence that chronic THC edible users may have impaired vascular function through a different mechanism than inhaled products. A central message is that “cannabis us...

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  Episode #15

  Cannabis for Migraine Headache with Nat Schuster, MD

  Apr 1, 202635 minS2

  <p>Summary: </p><p>In this episode, Nathaniel Schuster, MD, Professor and Medical Director of the Center for Pain Management at UC San Diego Health, explores the potential role of cannabinoid therapy in migraine care. Join us as Dr. Schuster shares insights into the benefits, limitations, and practical considerations of this approach, and discusses his latest research on vaporized cannabis for acute migraine treatment, including clinical trial findings and future directions.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Key Topics:</p><p>Overview of the first placebo-controlled trial of vaporized cannabis for migraineThe scientific rationale behind using THC and...

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