Effects of marijuana laws on cannabis and medication use among veterans

Impact of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Laws On Cannabis, Opioids And Psychiatric Medications: National Study of VA Patients, 2000 - 2024

NIH-funded research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10612385

This study looks at how laws about medical and recreational marijuana affect how veterans use cannabis, opioids, and mental health medications, especially for those dealing with chronic pain and mental health issues, to help understand if these laws can change their medication habits.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10612385 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how medical and recreational marijuana laws impact the use of cannabis, opioids, and psychiatric medications among Veterans Administration patients. By analyzing data from 2000 to 2024, the study aims to understand the health effects of these laws, particularly in individuals with chronic pain and psychiatric disorders. The approach includes multi-level modeling to assess individual behaviors and outcomes, addressing gaps in current knowledge about cannabis use and its potential role in reducing opioid prescriptions. The findings could provide valuable insights into the relationship between cannabis laws and medication use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are 21 years or older and may be using or considering cannabis for pain management or psychiatric conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or those under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for veterans dealing with chronic pain and mental health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some success in understanding the effects of medical marijuana laws, but this research aims to fill significant gaps in knowledge regarding individual-level impacts.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.