Effects of cannabis on brain development and memory in adolescents and adults
Impact of Cannabinoid Across the Lifespan (ICAL)
This study is looking at how using cannabis as a teenager might change the way your brain develops, especially when it comes to memory and learning, and it wants to find out if these effects are different for boys and girls or based on age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cannabis use during adolescence affects brain development, particularly focusing on memory and learning. It examines the neurobiological mechanisms behind these effects, specifically looking at how THC exposure impacts synaptic plasticity in the brain. The study aims to understand the differences in these effects based on age and sex, and how they relate to cognitive functions. By exploring these relationships, the research seeks to provide insights into the long-term consequences of cannabis use during critical developmental periods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12-20 and adults over 21 who have used cannabis.
Not a fit: Patients who have never used cannabis or are not within the specified age ranges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of cognitive impairments associated with cannabis use in young people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that cannabis can have significant effects on brain development, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gall, Christine M — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Gall, Christine M
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 below.