Interprofessional Rounds: Healthcare, Tech & Clinical Ethics

Featured across NBC-10 Boston and leading physician symposiums. Dr. Benjamin Caplan moderates and leads an interprofessional clinical panel examining the practical intersection of botanical cannabinoids and modern hospital medicine: reviewing cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19) drug-drug interactions, managing polypharmacy, and establishing safe, ethical referral pathways between primary care physicians, oncologists, neurologists, and cannabinoid specialists.

Demystifying Medical Cannabis: Clinical Terpenes & Receptors

Delivered to cardiovascular specialists, fellows, and researchers associated with the renowned Lown Group. Dr. Caplan breaks down the cellular architecture of endocannabinoid tone: mapping CB1 and CB2 receptor distribution across the central nervous system, vascular endothelium, and immune cells. He explains how botanical terpenes (myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, linalool) act as pharmacological modulators to augment therapeutic targets while curbing unwanted psychoactivity.

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System: Separating Science from Hype

Presented as part of the Boston Adult & Community Education academic lecture series. Dr. Benjamin Caplan demystifies Cannabidiol (CBD): contrasting its negative allosteric modulation of CB1 receptors with THC’s direct partial agonism. He walks clinicians, caregivers, and curious learners through the pharmacological nuances of non-intoxicating cannabinoids: treating anxiety, systemic inflammation, seizure disorders, and sleep disruptions without impairment.

extraktTalks: Dr. Benjamin Caplan, MD & CED Foundation

In an exhaustive dialogue with biotechnology and extraction leader extraktLAB. Dr. Benjamin Caplan examines the critical difference between commercial recreational concentrates and certified pharmaceutical-grade medical extracts. Covering supercritical CO2 extraction, residual solvent testing, heavy metal decontamination, third-party Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and the urgent necessity of uniform dose delivery for vulnerable patient populations.

🧪 Cytochrome P450 Hepatic Clearance

Cannabinoids are substrates and mild inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 liver enzymes. Clinicians must account for potential competitive inhibition with warfarin, anti-epileptics, sedatives, and calcium channel blockers.

🌿 Entourage Terpene Modulations

Terpenes are active pharmacological agents. Myrcene enhances blood-brain barrier permeability, beta-caryophyllene selectively binds peripheral CB2 receptors, and limonene elevates serotonin and dopamine tone.

⚖️ Biphasic Dose Dynamics

Cannabinoids exhibit classic biphasic (hormetic) dose responses: low doses often produce alert, anti-anxiety, and anti-nausea effects, whereas excessive doses can induce sedation, orthostasis, or paradoxical dysphoria.

📋 Standardized Patient Titration

Physician supervision requires start-low, go-slow titration protocols with calibrated oral tinctures and metered inhalers, prioritizing symptom relief while preventing cognitive intoxication.