Deepak Cyril Dsouza, MBBS, MD

In the November 2025 webinar, Professor Ryan Vandrey, PhD, a leading researcher in psychopharmacology at Johns Hopkins University, delivered a comprehensive examination of delta-H and emerging cannabinoid formulations, with a particular focus on the rapidly evolving science and policy landscape surrounding delta-8 THC. Drawing from a series of controlled laboratory studies funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Dr. Vandrey detailed how product composition, dosage, and route of administration shape the pharmacokinetic and behavioral effects of cannabis products—insights that are increasingly important as new cannabinoids enter commercial markets.

One of the central findings he shared was the striking similarity between delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Despite delta-8 THC producing roughly half the concentration of the 11-hydroxy metabolite, participants reported nearly identical subjective effects and impairments across both oral and inhaled routes. Notably, these impairments—particularly in driving performance and cognitive functioning—went undetected by standard field sobriety tests, underscoring the need for updated public-safety tools capable of accurately identifying cannabis-related intoxication.

Beyond pharmacology, Dr. Vandrey contextualized his findings within the broader regulatory environment. He discussed the implications of recent legislation targeting delta-8 THC, warning that restrictive policies may unintentionally push products toward the black market or accelerate state-level legalization efforts. These shifts, he noted, have the potential to reshape the cannabis industry and complicate efforts to establish evidence-based standards for product safety and labeling.

Looking forward, Dr. Vandrey outlined upcoming analyses that aim to deepen the scientific understanding of these compounds. His team will revisit participant data to determine whether individuals who believed they could distinguish delta-8 from delta-9 THC were accurate in their perceptions, offering potential insights into dose discrimination and experiential variability. In parallel, a newly powered dataset will allow investigators to examine sex-based differences in responses to delta-8 THC, an area where empirical evidence remains limited.

By integrating pharmacological data, behavioral outcomes, and policy considerations, Dr. Vandrey emphasized the urgent need for rigorous regulation, improved impairment assessments, and continued scientific inquiry into emerging cannabinoid products—particularly as they continue to proliferate across consumer markets.

The February 2026 YC-SCAN2 webinar Driving While Stoned: Why It’s Complicated, featured Godfrey Pearlson, who presented a comprehensive overview of cannabis and driving impairment. His talk examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of THC, its behavioral effects on driving performance, and the broader public health implications of cannabis use behind the wheel. Dr. Pearlson highlighted the unique challenges in detecting cannabis-related impairment compared to alcohol, noting the limitations of current roadside sobriety testing and per se legal standards. Drawing on his research using advanced driving simulators and virtual reality paradigms, he demonstrated that THC can impair critical driving skills in subtle but meaningful ways, with effects that may persist even after blood THC levels decline. The presentation also addressed the complexity of cannabis use patterns, including variability across dosage forms and the absence of a standardized dose equivalent, and emphasized the need for continued research on issues such as edible cannabis and sex-related differences in impairment.