January 2026 Seminar Presenters

Title: The Impact of Product Formulation on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis users often report that edibles produce highly unpredictable effects, making them prone to eliciting adverse events. Inconsistency in cannabis edible effects likely stems, in part, from the large variety of formulations within this diverse product category. Preclinical research has shown that THC absorption is increased when ingested in lipid or “nano-emulsion” formulations relative to non-lipid or non-nanoemulsion formulations. Thus, formulation characteristics may directly impact the magnitude of THC absorption and related effects in humans. Controlled clinical research on edibles is limited and few studies have evaluated if product formulation influences pharmacokinetic (PK) or pharmacodynamic (PD) outcomes.

This study will characterize PD and PK outcomes associated with different Δ9-THC infused edibles. Participants will complete 9 double-blind, within-subject, placebo-controlled outpatient sessions in a randomized order. Participants will consume either a placebo or an active Δ9-THC-infused product containing a low or a high dose of Δ9-THC in one of three formulations (brownie, gummy, or drink). This project will determine how the formulation impacts the speed or magnitude of Δ9-THC absorption, or variability in absorption across individuals, which would be valuable information for clinical decision making and future research on oral cannabinoid products (e.g., inform product selection in future clinical trials). This information will be vital for educating the general public on given Δ9-THC-infused products which are often used for medicinal purposes. This project will also provide data that can be used to inform impairment profiles associated with novel Δ9-THC-infused products and help refine how these products may be marketed in the future.                                                                                                                    

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has become a commonly used targeted therapy for solid tumors, but response remains limited in head and neck cancer. Our lab investigates the epigenetic basis of response to ICI and molecular targets for future combination therapies to improve efficacy. 

Title: The role of E-pill dispensers in Suicide prevention

Background:

Every year an estimated 13.2 million people have serious suicidal thoughts, 3.8 million plan suicides, 1.6 million attempt suicides, leading to 49,000 deaths per year in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024). Suicides and attempts lead to serious repercussions for victims, families and communities such as grief, financial and emotional suffering. Research shows that the impulse to act on suicidal thoughts is short lived, usually less than 10 minutes (Barber & Miller, 2014) and restricting access to a means (means restriction) delay suicide attempts or lead to substituting means that are less lethal (Barber & Miller, 2014). 
Problem/ Purpose/Gap: Suicides by medication cost about 6,000 deaths annually in the USA (CDC, 2024) and it is the preferred means for women and those with psychiatric diagnoses (Fredin- Knutzen et al, 2022). While interventions to reduce access to fire arms has been effective in preventing suicide, there is much less evidence on the impact of restricting access to lethal medications. E-pill dispenses are electronic devices that can lock medications but only dispense prescribed quantities of medication at the prescribed time, preventing overdose. (Patel et. Al, 2022). 

Methods:

This author plans to conduct a pilot study using a quasi- experimental model to study the effect dispensers in suicide prevention. To do this, patients from a mental health outpatient clinic with at least one suicide attempt will be selected, e-pill dispensers will be given to the intervention group and compared to the control group who receives educational brochure on whole health.

Results:

Findings will be reported, and will suggest the impact of e-pill dispensers on suicide rates and fatality.

Conclusion:

E-pill dispensers are a viable way to structure medication access that can enhance adherence and also reduce intentional ingestion as a form of suicide or suicide attempts. Further study is needed to evaluate the impact of e-pill dispensers on suicide rates and fatality.