Innovative Research on the Impact of THC Consumption on Brain Blood Flow Receives Grant from Brain Canada

Dr. Mike Tymko from the Department of Human Health Sciences has been awarded $100,000 from Brain Canada for his research on how cannabis consumption alters blood flow to the brain. This grant is part of Brain Canada's Future Leaders program, which this year has invested $2.2 million toward 22 scientists across Canada researching brain health. 

Tymko’s research on cannabis aims to explore the effects of THC on blood flow to the brain. Since blood flow is essential for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain, the impairment of this function could have long-term health consequences. Tymko’s study will focus on how THC affects the brain and nervous system, and how the body regulates blood flow in accordance with metabolic need and in response to positional stress while under the influence of THC.  

“It’s an honor to be awarded a Brain Canada Future Leader’s grant. This project will not only provide mechanistic insight into how THC affects brain health in humans, but it will provide valuable training opportunities for many undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Guelph” says Tymko.  

Although previous research has indicated that THC consumption reduces autonomic nervous activity, the effects on the brain in particular are not well understood. Cannabis has also been linked to an increased risk of stroke and other brain diseases. As cannabis has become widely accepted in Canada, it is increasingly important to understand the long-term consequences of THC. 

The Brain Canada Foundation has been offering funding for brain research in collaboration with the Government of Canada since 2011. In 2019, they launched their Future Leaders program, through which they have invested over $10 million into more than 100 research grants for emerging scientists.