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
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Podcast Overview
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.
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Publishing Since
1/25/2025
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Recent Episodes

July 31, 2026
Cannabis, the Gut and the Metabolic Paradox with Nicholas DiPatrizio, PhD
<p>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.</p>

June 1, 2026
Cannabis, Brain, and Aging with Kent Hutchison PhD
<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 of cannabis among older adults for pain, sleep, and anxiety, and emerging research on cannabis and exercise. A central message is that cannabis effects depend on the product, dose, route of administration, age, health status, and reason for use.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:54 Introduction to Cannabis Research and Personal Journey</p><p>04:04 Exploring Cannabis and Brain Function</p><p>09:14 Adolescent Cannabis Use and Cognitive Effects</p><p>12:31 Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabinoids</p><p>14:25 Understanding the Endocannabinoid System</p><p>16:23 Cannabinoids in Older Adults</p><p>19:03 Cannabis Use in Relation to Other Medications</p><p>20:01 Cannabis and Exercise: Subjective Experiences</p><p>24:24 Future Research Directions and Closing Thoughts</p><p><br></p>

May 1, 2026
Cannabis Smoke & Cardiovascular Health with Matthew Springer, PhD
<p><strong>Summary</strong></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 use” is too imprecise a term, because smoking cannabis and ingesting THC are very different exposures. His public health takeaway is simple: be aware of cardiovascular risks, practice moderation, and avoid exposing others to secondhand smoke.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Topics</strong></p><ul><li>Endothelial function and its role in cardiovascular health</li><li>Effects of tobacco, cannabis, and e-cigarette smoke on blood vessels</li><li>Mechanisms of smoke-induced vascular impairment</li><li>Differences between inhaled and ingested cannabis effects</li><li>Public health implications of secondhand smoke exposure</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Preview</p><p>01:24 Dr. Springer's Background</p><p>03:43 Exploring Cardiovascular Effects of Cannabis</p><p>03:43 Personal Anecdote - Paul McCartney Concert</p><p>05:13 Understanding Endothelial Function</p><p>09:33 The Role of Endothelial Cells in Cardiovascular Health</p><p>09:58 Understanding Vascular Health and Flow Mediated Dilation</p><p>12:03 Translating Rodent Studies to Human Health</p><p>14:20 The Impact of Cannabis and Tobacco Smoke on Vascular Function</p><p>16:53 Chronic Use: Comparing Cannabis, Tobacco, and E-Cigarettes</p><p>20:15 The Science Behind Smoke and Its Effects</p><p>24:48 Distinguishing Cannabis Use from Smoking Effects</p><p>29:08 Moderation and Public Health Messaging</p><p>34:31 Secondhand Smoke: Risks and Recommendations</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
18 total episodes available
Recent guests on High5 with Dr. Igor Grant, MD
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Deepak D'Souza
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Eric Leas
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Alison Moore PhD
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Dr Alan Budney PhD
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Dr Ziva Cooper
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Dale Gieringer
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Daniele Piomelli
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