August 5, 2021
The UC Davis Cannabis and Hemp Research Center (CHRC) recently awarded grants to five researchers working to advance the research on cannabis and hemp while laying the groundwork for future innovations in science and technology.
CHRC awarded the 2021 Research Investments in Cannabis and Hemp (RICH) grant for one year, following an internal funding competition led by the Office of Research. Each project will receive $20,000 with researchers investigating hemp pathogens in California agricultural spaces, prenatal exposure to cannabis and the potential impacts of vaping.
The primary goal of RICH is to advance research programs to unlock new insights and secure additional federal, state, corporate and philanthropic research grants and partnerships. Applications were selected based on the potential for future discovery and innovation, scientific merit and impact on society and sustainability.
“We are excited to award this year’s pilot grants, which address key challenges in plant science and agriculture, brain research and human health, and look forward to the initial results and sustainable research programs that will grow as a result of these awards,” said CHRC Co-Director Cameron Carter.
The Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor provided the funds to CHRC to support research programs that will advance the knowledge about hemp and cannabis and bring about impactful changes in the areas of health, environment and sustainability.
Li Tian, co-director added, “We had a strong pool of proposals and would like to thank everyone who has submitted their applications. These proposals truly showcased the breadth, depth, creativity and applicability of research on cannabis and hemp at UC Davis.”
Overview of 2021 RICH awardees and projects
Hemp pathogen survey in California outdoor cultivation
Bryce Falk, professor, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Co-PI: Joanne Emerson, assistant professor, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
In collaboration with Staff Research Associate Tera Pitman, Falk and Emerson’s research will focus on identifying the common and novel pathogens infecting hemp (Cannabis sativa) and developing contemporary, novel rapid detection methods for one of the pathogens, Hop latent viroid. The purpose of the research is to disseminate the knowledge to the hemp industry for aid in developing sound approaches to disease control.
Behavioral consequences of prenatal exposure to THC
Karen Bales, professor in the Department of Psychology, College of Letters and Science
Co-PI: Melissa Bauman, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine
Bales and Bauman propose to collect preliminary data on the long-term effects of prenatal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure on pair bonding and other critical social and anxiety-like behaviors in the prairie vole. The overarching hypothesis is that prenatal exposure to THC will alter central gene expression, particularly in the oxytocin, endocannabinoid, vasopressin, dopamine and serotonin systems, in ways that lead to impaired pair bonding behavior in adult prairie voles.
Airway mucosal effects of vaped cannabinoid products
Christopher Royer, associate research physiologist, California National Primate Research Center
Vaping or electronic cigarette use has captured the imagination of a new generation of users. Royer’s research aims to study how vaping is likely to contribute to the burden of lung disease which may counteract the therapeutic potential of cannabis and hemp products. Royer considers it critical to understand the disease potential of vaping and cannabinol products as the effects of vaping are not completely understood, and young users may be especially vulnerable.
Cannabis and Hemp Research Center
The Cannabis and Hemp Research Center serves as the university’s hub, bringing together scientists, engineers, scholars and clinicians involved in research related to cannabis and hemp at UC Davis.
As a leader in agriculture, plant science and veterinary medicine, with a top-ranked medical center and law school, UC Davis has an extensive research infrastructure in place that is pioneering advancements in the knowledge of production, environmental and health impacts, testing and applications for use as well as providing insight for social implications and public policy.
The center is designated as a Special Research Program under the administration of the Office of Research.
Media Contacts
Cameron Carter, Co-Director UC Davis Cannabis and Hemp Research Center, [email protected]
Li Tian, Co-Director UC Davis Cannabis and Hemp Research Center, [email protected]
AJ Cheline, UC Davis Office of Research, 530-752-1101, [email protected]
