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Patrick Neary PhD

"My current research examines the pathophysiology of the acute and long-term effects of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. In this research our laboratory also explores the relationship between the heart and the brain during concussion. Other areas of research include heart rate variability an post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in first respondents."

 Could cannabinoids eventually help protect athletes’ brains from the repeated impacts of contact sports? In Part 2 of Kirk’s conversation with University of Regina researcher Patrick Neary PhD, the focus shifts from proving that athletes can safely tolerate high doses of CBD to investigating whether cannabinoids may provide neuroprotection against concussions in contact sports. A double-blind crossover design compares a THC-free, broad-spectrum cannabinoid formulation with a placebo. Researchers measure cerebral blood flow, brain oxygenation, cardiovascular function, blood biomarkers and neural activity before and after treatment. Athletes who experience a concussion receive additional testing and symptom monitoring throughout their recovery. Dr. Neary also previews a planned pain-management study comparing CBD, THC, full-spectrum cannabinoids and placebo in former professional and junior athletes experiencing neuropathic or orthopedic pain. Kirk and Trevor discuss CBD safety, medication interactions, cannabis stigma and why rigorous research could change how professional sports leagues approach athlete recovery. Listen now to learn how Canadian researchers are testing cannabinoid concussion protection, brain health and chronic pain in contact-sport athletes.

Can cannabinoids change the future of concussion care in contact sports? Kirk follows up with Patrick Neary, PhD, from the University of Regina, to see how his NFL-funded research into CBD, concussions, pain management, and athlete health is going now that the study has moved from planning to execution. Recorded on 4/20, let's dive in: can CBD help reduce concussion risk, support brain recovery, and offer athletes an alternative to opioids? Dr. Neary explains the first phase of his research: a CBD dose-escalation safety study in athletes, including very high daily doses, brain blood-flow testing, cardiovascular monitoring, pharmacokinetics, biomarkers, and side-effect tracking. The episode also previews two related studies: a double-blind placebo-controlled concussion study and an upcoming pain study comparing THC, CBD, full-spectrum cannabinoids, and placebo. Listen now to learn how a multidisciplinary Canadian research team is studying cannabis, neuroprotection, inflammation, chronic pain, and the future of sports medicine.

You've said the word concussion. You might even have had one. But do you really understand them? Did you know a concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury? Dr. Patrick Neary and his team got a grant from the NFL to study if cannabis can help prevent or treat concussions! Dr. Neary explains, you don't have to actually bang your head to get a concussion. We've often said you don't have to like cannabis to enjoy this podcast. But, if you listen to this episode while rhythmically shaking your mullet forwards and back, we think you'll elevate your knowledge about both.