For over 20 years, Dr. Stella has studied the molecular mechanism and therapeutic value of cannabinoid-based molecules (including of phyto-cannabinoids produced by the plant, synthetic cannabinoids developed in the laboratory and endocannabinoids produced by cells). These cannabinoid-based molecules could help for the treatment of devastating brain diseases, including brain cancers and epilepsy. The initial work led to the discovery of both the prominent endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), in the brain, and its degrading enzyme, ABHD6, that controls 2-AG signaling in brain and peripheral tissues. The more recent work led to the development of small molecule (ST-compounds) that destabilize microtubules and kill cancer cells through a novel mechanism. ST compounds pass the blood brain barrier and are being developed for the treatment glioblastomas and brain metastases.