Joao P. De Aquino, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, was recently featured on Telemundo Washington to discuss the changing landscape of cannabis products and their potential health risks.
The interview, conducted in Spanish, explored the growing concerns about the increased potency of modern cannabis strains and how this evolution might affect public health, particularly regarding addiction and mental health.
While discussions about cannabis are advancing in some circles, there is a significant dearth of information available to Spanish-speaking communities on this critical issue.
De Aquino emphasized that while cannabis is often perceived as a relatively benign substance, the rise of high-potency products and increased non-medical use warrant a closer examination of its long-term effects, especially on vulnerable populations. His appearance on Telemundo is part of his broader mission to inform the public about the shifting dynamics of cannabis use and the associated health risks.
In addition to his outreach efforts, De Aquino’s research at Yale focuses on the intersection of pain management, addiction, and innovative treatments. He is the founding director of the NIH-funded Pain and Addiction Interaction Neurosciences (PAIN) Lab, which utilizes behavioral pharmacology, psychophysical techniques, and clinical trials to develop novel, non-opioid therapies for treating pain and addiction.