Cannabis use after trauma: how acute stress and fear affect cannabis outcomes
Official title: Cannabis use following trauma exposure: An observational study of the impact of acute stress and fear response on cannabis outcomes
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11374389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study observes adults after a traumatic event to understand how stress and fear during the early days to months after trauma influence cannabis use and related problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $636,346 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA054116-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 18-25 or older who have recently experienced a traumatic event and are seeking care in emergency or clinical settings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without recent trauma exposure or those not using cannabis may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
The project follows people who recently experienced trauma to see how their acute stress and fear responses relate to cannabis use over time. Researchers will collect data in clinical settings and may use surveys, interviews, and possibly biosamples to track symptoms and cannabis-related outcomes. The goal is to understand how the immediate aftermath of trauma shapes cannabis use patterns and potential problems, so clinicians can better support patients during this critical period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help doctors tailor guidance and support for patients after trauma to reduce cannabis-related harms.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows links between trauma and cannabis use, but results are mixed and more detail on early post-trauma periods is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nugent, Nicole R — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Nugent, Nicole R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding Cannabis Use After a Traumatic Event
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Genetic, Social, and Environmental Factors Shaping Early Cannabis Use in Youth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.