Effects of medical cannabis on brain function and addiction risk
Official title: Neurobehavioral Impacts of Medical Cannabis Use: An Observational Study
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11195053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how medical cannabis affects thinking and brain function in people aged 35-65 who use it for chronic pain, and it will compare them to those who don’t use cannabis to see how different amounts of THC and CBD might influence their behavior and risk of substance use issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,970 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059961-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 35-65 who are using medical cannabis for chronic pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using medical cannabis or those outside the age range of 35-65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how medical cannabis affects cognition, neural function, and the risk of substance use disorders in patients aged 35-65 who are using cannabis for chronic pain management. By comparing these patients to a control group of non-cannabis users, the study aims to understand the impact of different doses and blood levels of THC and CBD on neurobehavioral outcomes. Participants will be recruited through advertisements and local dispensaries, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of medical cannabis users. The study seeks to fill a significant gap in existing literature regarding the neurobehavioral effects of medical cannabis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis, potentially guiding treatment decisions for patients with chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on medical cannabis users, studies on recreational cannabis have shown cognitive impairments, indicating that this research could provide novel insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luciana, Monica — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Luciana, Monica
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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.