Professor Dr. Khaled Draghmeh

Biography

Khaled Draghmeh is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Yale Center for Science Cannabis Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN²) laboratory. He serves as the lead coordinator for major clinical studies that investigate the impact of aging on vulnerabilities to THC-induced cognitive, anxiogenic, cardiovascular, and reward-related effects. Khaled is also examining the effects of cannabis abstinence on hippocampal synaptic vesicle density. His contributions to YC-SCAN² involve a phase 1 study comparing the acute effects of DMT, THC, and placebo on individuals with depression. Previously, he worked under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Fuehrlein in the Psychiatric Emergency Room at VA Connecticut Healthcare System, where he conducted research on patterns, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization related to alcohol, opioid, and stimulant use disorders. Khaled has a particular interest in the clinical neurobiological mechanisms through which early-life chronic stress increases vulnerability to addiction and relapse, focusing on the dysregulation of stress-response systems, particularly the HPA axis. His research aims to inform targeted prevention and treatment strategies for underserved and high-risk populations. Khaled is passionate about advancing addiction care for marginalized communities and has worked with organizations serving refugee and immigrant populations.

Research Interests

Awards