Cannabis use and its link to PrEP use and HIV risk
Official title: Cannabis use, PrEP and HIV transmission risk
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11380477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether cannabis use affects PrEP use, adherence, and HIV-related risk among HIV-negative people who could benefit from PrEP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $709,417 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA054553-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are HIV-negative adults from the original N2 cohort in Chicago who are eligible for PrEP and may use cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
People living with HIV or those not eligible for PrEP are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this study.
What this research studies
We will follow 250 HIV-negative, PrEP-eligible participants from the original Networks and Neighborhoods (N2) cohort in Chicago over two years and five study waves. At each wave we'll collect short-term data using ecological momentary assessments and 14-day objective measures of cannabis use, PrEP use, and immune markers. We will combine self-reported behaviors, event-level data, and biomarkers to see how cannabis use relates to PrEP adherence and biological signs of HIV transmission risk. The goal is to produce findings that can guide better support and interventions for people who use cannabis who are at risk for HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help tailor PrEP programs and supports to improve adherence and reduce HIV infections among people who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Past research on cannabis and PrEP has produced mixed results, so this study uses more precise, real-time measures and biomarkers to clarify the relationship.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, Dustin T — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Duncan, Dustin T
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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.