Effects of THC on older adults
Official title: Acute effects of THC in older adults
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10811373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how THC, a substance in cannabis, impacts older adults by checking how it affects their thinking, heart health, and feelings of anxiety, to help understand if using cannabis is safe for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $251,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA058138-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy older adults who are interested in or currently using cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years of age or those with significant cardiovascular or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how THC, a compound found in cannabis, affects older adults, particularly focusing on cognitive and cardiovascular responses. The study aims to understand the acute effects of THC on older individuals, considering their unique physiological and cognitive characteristics. By examining these effects, the research seeks to provide valuable insights into the safety and implications of cannabis use in this age group. Participants will be monitored for changes in cognitive function, anxiety levels, and cardiovascular health after THC administration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help inform safer cannabis use guidelines for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on older adults, studies on younger populations have shown varying effects of THC, indicating a need for focused investigation in older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'souza, Deepak Cyril — Yale University
- Study coordinator: D'souza, Deepak Cyril
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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.