J O U R N A L O F

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a MACE Media Publ icat ion

Tristan WatkinsPHD- Editorial

Dr. Tristan Watkins initially focused on the clinical aspects of drug addiction and reward-driven behaviors – utilizing neuroimaging tools (e.g. fMRI, PET). In this time, he discovered altered neural areas during cognitive tasks in ecstasy (MDMA) users and neurobehavioral changes in drug craving in cannabis users. Once Dr. Watkins established a foundation in neuroimaging methodologies, he directed his focus towards a major public health concern – obesity. Using the same principles of addiction and reward-driven behaviors, Dr. Watkins designed a study to examine the neurological, genetic, and behavioral correlates of obesity. The results revealed maladaptive behavioral and neurological components of disgust in obese individuals. From there, Dr. Watkins examined the neuroin�ammatory e�ects of obesity, utilizing immunohistochemistry, cell culture, and animal models. The results revealed cellular- and parenchymal-level alterations to the brain’s feeding control center (i.e. arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus).

Dr. Tristan Watkins now studies how terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the nervous system and applies this knowledge to creating cannabis formulas that deliver distinct and consistent e�ects. His cannabis research began as a passion project during graduate school at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Watkins currently serves as the Chief Science O�cer of LucidMood, the leading brand of designer cannabis products.

Focused on theclinical aspects

of drug addictionand reward-driven

behaviors – utilizing neuroimaging tools

(e.g. fMRI, PET).