Cannabis: Pharmacology and endocannabinoid system

The popularity of phytocannabinoids as therapeutic interventions reflects the integrated role of the endocannabinoid system in most physiologic systems. Disruption of the endocannabinoid system plays a role in a variety of diseases, and its safe and effective therapeutic manipulation should be based on evidence. In this presentation, discover what’s currently known about the endocannabinoid system and identify potential targets through which the system might be manipulated therapeutically with exogenous cannabinoids. You’ll also learn about pharmacokinetic considerations of phytocannabinoids. This course originally was presented at AVMA Virtual Convention 2020 under the title “Cannabis Pharmacology and the Endocannabinoid System: A Clinical Perspective.”

Participants can expect to learn about:

• Major components of the endocannabinoid system and their role in physiology 
• Impact of exogenous cannabinoids on the endocannabinoid and related systems 
• Key pharmacokinetic concepts of phytocannabinoids that might impact therapeutic use

Dr. Dawn Boothe earned her DVM and Ph.D. in veterinary clinical pharmacology from Texas A&M University (TAMU). She also completed a PhrMA fellowship and was among the first class of diplomates in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. She has served as a professor in TAMU’s Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, and in the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and clinical sciences departments at Auburn University. She directs the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, serving over 4,000 national and international veterinary practices. She has mentored dozens of graduate students and clinical pharmacology residents, received over $1.7M in research funding as principle investigator, and authored or coauthored over 125 peer-reviewed scientific publications, two textbooks, and more than 60 book chapters. Major awards include an achievement award in teaching from Texas A&M University, the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care’s Jack Mara Scientific Achievement Award, several graduate student mentor awards, and the Zoetis Award for Excellence in Research. She most recently was recognized by Auburn University with an alumni professorship.