Examining how legalizing recreational cannabis affects opioid use and overdoses.
Official title: CE24-012 - The Impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization on Substance Use Outcomes
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10993984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how legalizing recreational cannabis affects the use of opioids and overdose rates in the U.S., helping us understand how these laws might change how people manage pain and use substances.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $348,719 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CE003675-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in states where recreational cannabis is legal and who may be using opioids for pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in states with legalized recreational cannabis or those who do not use opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of recreational cannabis legalization on opioid use and overdose rates across the United States. It aims to understand how these policies influence individuals' choices regarding pain management and substance use. By utilizing a nationally representative survey and combining it with nationwide overdose data, the study will analyze changes in both non-fatal and fatal overdoses. The research team, composed of experts in substance use policy and addiction medicine, will employ advanced statistical methods to ensure robust findings that can guide public health interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights that help shape effective policies to reduce opioid misuse and overdose deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential benefits of cannabis legalization on reducing opioid use, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Lindsay — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Allen, Lindsay
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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.