Cannabinoids for Athletics, Concussions, and Pain with Elizabeth Thompson

With a BSc. in molecular biology and an MSc. in physiology, Liz has studied the human body through many lenses. The focus of her PhD program (Pharmacy) is to explore disorders that have directly impacted her life in the world of professional contact sports, and how cannabinoid products could potentially play a role in these.  As a member of the clinical trial team that was recently awarded funding from the NFL to study cannabinoids in concussion and pain, she is excited to bring new data to the literature exploring cannabinoids and athletics. Liz and her team recently published an extensive literature review titled Cannabinoid Therapy in Athletics: A Review of Current Cannabis Research to Evaluate Potential Real‑World Cannabinoid Applications In Sport, which establishes a foundation for their future research.   During our conversation, we discussed:  How Liz became interested in the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids Published literature that supports using cannabinoids for neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders Her team’s collaboration with the NFL and ongoing clinical trials focused on neuroinflammation and recovery in athletes, particularly after concussions Current use of cannabis in athletics and how sports organizations are changing their policies  Future directions of research  and more  Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: The DENT Institute With more than 300,000 patient visits per year, the DENT Neurologic Institute ranks among the largest neuroscience centers in North America. Its 24 subspecialty clinics often treat the most challenging neurologic conditions including but not limited to Migraine, Chronic pain, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and Neuro-Oncology. With their mission of advancing neuroscience, the Dent Institute established a cannabis clinic in 2016 to aid in the treatment of these chronic conditions seen throughout the institute. Learn more at dentinstitute.com Additional Resources Cannabinoid Therapy in Athletics: A Review of Current Cannabis Research to Evaluate Potential Real‑World Cannabinoid Applications In Sport trainwithmaryjane.com Train with Mary Jane on Instagram Submit Your Abstract for CannMed 25 Review the Podcast CannMed Archive