NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Cannabis use and misuses in Veterans with psychosis: understanding brain rhythms and better care

Official title: A neurobiological investigation of cannabis use and misuse in Veterans

Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11286771 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant looks at how cannabis use affects people with psychosis, especially veterans, and explores brain rhythm changes that might help improve treatments.

More Cannabis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Connecticut Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (West Haven, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2027
Funding year2027
NIH project number5IK2CX002547-04
Project IDNIH-11286771 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with psychosis who use cannabis, including veterans, who may participate in brain-imaging, neurophysiology, or therapy-focused studies.

Less likely to help

Individuals without psychosis or cannabis use, or those not involved in the studied interventions, may not benefit.

What this research studies

Many individuals with psychosis who use cannabis have worse outcomes, including more severe symptoms and higher healthcare costs. This project focuses on how neural synchrony in theta and gamma brain waves relates to cannabis use in psychosis, and whether therapies like rTMS or motivational therapy can help. By studying veterans with psychosis, researchers aim to identify brain and behavior patterns that could guide future treatments. The work may pave the way for targeted interventions to reduce cannabis use and improve functioning. The study builds on existing findings about brain rhythms and aims to translate them into practical options for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better treatments for cannabis use in psychosis and improved quality of life for veterans.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests brain rhythm interventions and psychosocial approaches may help, but results have been mixed and more evidence is needed.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Connecticut Healthcare System
    West Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Martin, Ashley Schnakenberg — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: Martin, Ashley Schnakenberg

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.