Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira

Associate Prof. Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira's research investigates the effects of the cannabis compounds THC and CBD on prenatal brain development. As cannabis use becomes increasingly prevalent, it is essential to understand how these compounds, which can traverse the placenta, influence brain development. This project aims to discern potential modifications in brain cell DNA and assess whether these changes might affect an offspring's cognitive abilities later in life. Using translational models, the project will study the long-term neurocognitive epigenetic consequences, while human-like cerebral organoids will mimic early brain development under exposure to these compounds.