Cannabinoid Research Collaborative

💛 World Su***de Prevention Day 💛

Today, we’re reminded of the importance of connection, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable reaching out for support.

Talking openly about mental health can help reduce stigma and remind others that they are not alone. A simple conversation, a listening ear, or checking in on someone can make a meaningful difference.

Let’s continue to support one another, encourage open conversations, and spread hope. 💚
🎗

As August comes to an end, we’re also saying farewell to some wonderful members of the CRC team! 💚

Over the past year, our postdoctoral fellows have brought their expertise, curiosity, and dedication to our research community. From contributing to ongoing studies to supporting participants and collaborating with the team, their work has made a meaningful impact on the CRC.

We’re grateful for the time, energy, and perspectives they’ve shared with us, and we’re excited to see where their next chapters take them! 🎓✨

Thank you for being part of the CRC family. We’ll miss having you on the team, but we’re cheering you on in all that comes next! 💚

Please join us in wishing our postdocs all the best in their future endeavors! 🥳👏

🔬 Research Spotlight: Cannabis and sleep are increasingly being studied to better understand how cannabis may affect the brain.

A recent Washington Post article explores research on cannabis and REM sleep 🌙, a stage of sleep associated with dreaming and important brain processes. Studies suggest that cannabis may suppress REM sleep, raising questions about how these changes could relate to memory, emotions, and the role of dreaming 🧠.

As researchers continue to investigate cannabis and sleep, these findings highlight the complexity of how cannabis may interact with the brain during sleep.

📃 Read the article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/07/23/hidden-way-cannabis-changes-your-brain-while-you-sleep/

Today, we had the honor of attending the SC CHEER YES Colloquium! We were able to support some of our summer interns as they presented their final projects. Our interns spent the summer pursuing their own research interests which included cannabis use and its effects on a range of topics (e.g., SSRIs, pregnancy, coping motives). We are blown away by all of their hard work and are so appreciative to be a part of mentoring the future of research!

🧠 How Much Do You Know About Research? 🔬

Think you know the facts about research? Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz!

Whether you're familiar with research studies or just curious about how they work, this is a fun way to learn something new. Take your best guess, then swipe to see the answer!

💬 Comment how many you got right, and share this quiz with someone who loves learning!

📣 Welcome Marta to the CRC Team!

We’re excited to welcome Marta to the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative team! 🎉

Marta joins us with a passion for research and a commitment to advancing our understanding of substance use, mental health, and overall well-being. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue working to make a meaningful impact through research and community engagement.

Please join us in giving Marta a warm welcome! 💚

💬 Testimonial Thursday

Participant feedback means so much to our team! We are committed to creating a positive, supportive, and professional experience for everyone who chooses to take part in our research.❤️

🌱 Every participant plays an important role in advancing science, and we're grateful for the trust they place in our research. Thank you for helping us move knowledge forward, one study at a time.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being at every stage of life. This month, the CRC recognizes the importance of awareness, support, education, and continued research surrounding mental health and substance use.

Taking care of your mental health can look different for everyone — whether that means reaching out for support, prioritizing rest, connecting with others, or learning more about available resources.

“What Doctors Want You to Know About Cannabis and Health” by Roni Rabin highlights the importance of evidence-based conversations surrounding cannabis use and health. 🌿

We’re proud to see Kevin Gray quoted in the article sharing insight on how cannabis can affect individuals differently and why continued research is so important.

“Cannabis is like alcohol. Many adults can drink responsibly, and others, it destroys their lives.” — Dr. Kevin Gray

At the CRC, we’re proud to support research that helps advance evidence-based understanding of cannabis use, health outcomes, and treatment approaches.

Read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/04/well/cannabis-marijuana-health-risks.html