When you hear about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), it's usually all about its superpowers in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, pain, memory, and learning. Impressive, right? But what’s rarely mentioned is the ECS's role in a system that does more than support one human but one that keeps the entire population afloat, the reproductive system. 

NAP is about investigating all natural medicines with real world impact. Pharmacognosy is the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other natural sources, focusing on their biochemical properties and therapeutic potential. This blog explores the traditional uses and biochemistry of Kratom and Kava, highlighting their roles in herbal medicine and the need for scientific research to better understand their effects.

Combining stigmatized topics often leads to isolation and marginalization of the community affected. There has always been an intersection of neurodivergent brains and drugs, however, the community has been researched and treated as the problem, their lived experiences devalued, and relative public education and choices have been restricted. This blog post is a meta-analysis of a group activity created by participants in the 2024 Neurodivergent Brain on Drugs LIVE discussion on 9/29/24 highlighting the critical need for more community resources and public education for this population.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid that is on its way to becoming major. Sometimes referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG has recently become more available due to the rise in new genetics and product diversity. Read on to learn more about the new research emerging on CBG’s ability to reduce anxiety!

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates the body by counterbalancing other biological systems. It’s an influential component to maintaining homeostasis in our body. If we can better predict and understand the role of various cannabinoids and enzymes in the ECS, we can in turn more reliably understand their effects on biological disorders and their accompanying symptoms.

If receptors are like switches that control different systems and functions, then enzymes are like different tools in the tool belt to construct, break apart, and modify molecules. All of the molecules in cannabis we enjoy like cannabinoids and terpenes are created by enzymes and this is also going on inside our own bodies too where enzymes play a key role in the endocannabinoid system! Read on to learn more about the amazing, but often underappreciated living machines that control nature’s chemical diversity.

How does the government influence research priorities and direction? It provides the funding criteria. Read on to learn more about the grant funding process in academic research and a preview of pieces from NAP’s first grant submissions to both the federal government (NIH) and a private foundation (RWJ).

NAP Co-founder Dr. Riley Kirk, PhD is the host of the Bioactive Podcast, a bi-weekly podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products covering current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. We will be airing special NAPTIME episodes where Dr. Miyabe Shields joins as a special guest to discuss the ongoings of the non-profit and current research updates!