Effects of stopping cannabis use on thinking and mental health symptoms
Official title: Changes in cognition and psychiatric disorder symptoms during cannabis abstinence using a novel discordant twin design
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10900781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking a break from cannabis affects thinking skills and mental health in adults aged 31 to 47, by comparing twins where one stops using cannabis and the other keeps using it, to see what changes happen over six weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $174,802 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA054212-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 31 to 47 who are regular cannabis users and willing to abstain from cannabis for six weeks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are not experiencing cognitive or psychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how abstaining from cannabis affects cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and processing speed, as well as psychiatric symptoms in adults aged 31 to 47. The study uses a unique approach by comparing monozygotic twins where one twin abstains from cannabis while the other continues using it. This design allows researchers to control for genetic factors and focus on the environmental impact of cannabis use. Participants will undergo assessments over a six-week period to evaluate changes in their cognitive abilities and mental health symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into the cognitive and mental health benefits of cannabis abstinence, potentially guiding treatment strategies for individuals with cannabis use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on cannabis use, this specific approach using discordant twins is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Jessica Megan — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ross, Jessica Megan
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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.