Exploring how high doses of THC affect behavior and brain function in adolescents
Official title: Determining the role of tripartite cell populations in THC-Induced behavioral phenotypes
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11055325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how high doses of THC, the main ingredient in cannabis, affect the behavior and brain function of young animals, helping us understand how using cannabis during teenage years might influence stress and addiction risks later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $177,607 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA059689-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing or at risk for addiction or related psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or who do not use cannabis may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of high doses of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, on adolescent behavior and brain function. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to understand how THC exposure during adolescence influences stress responses and addiction risk later in life. The study focuses on changes in specific brain regions, particularly the amygdala, and how these changes relate to psychiatric conditions. The findings could provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and mental health issues associated with cannabis use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for addiction and mental health issues in adolescents who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that high doses of THC can affect brain function and behavior, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and important.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferland, Jacqueline-Marie — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Ferland, Jacqueline-Marie
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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.