Examining how long-term medical marijuana and opioid use affects driving in older adults
Official title: An open road driving performance task to examine long-term medical marijuana use and prescription opioid positivity in adults 50 and older
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11192233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using medical marijuana and prescription opioids for a long time affects the driving skills of adults aged 50 and older, to help understand the safety risks for those managing chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,047 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057965-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 50 and older who have been using medical marijuana and/or prescription opioids for chronic pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use medical marijuana or prescription opioids, or who are under 50 years of age, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of long-term medical marijuana use and prescription opioid use on driving performance in adults aged 50 and older. Participants will undergo an open road driving performance task to assess how these substances affect their ability to drive safely. The study aims to understand the risks associated with driving under the influence of these substances, particularly in individuals who use them for chronic pain management. Additionally, the research will explore how these individuals self-regulate their use of medical marijuana and opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety guidelines and recommendations for older adults using medical marijuana and opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated significant risks associated with driving under the influence of THC and opioids, suggesting that this study's approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ennis, Nicole — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Ennis, Nicole
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.