Heavy cannabis use, brain function, and PrEP care for young people at risk for HIV
Official title: Heavy cannabis use, neurocognition and PrEP care engagement among young people
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11405057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A two-phase study will look at how heavy cannabis use affects brain function and how that relates to HIV prevention and PrEP engagement among young people in Chicago.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $818,585 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057351-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Young people who use cannabis heavily and are involved with HIV prevention programs in Chicago.
✕Less likely to help
People outside the study setting or those who do not use cannabis heavily may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine whether heavy cannabis use alters brain systems for risk/reward and executive function in young people, and how these changes relate to PrEP use and HIV prevention behaviors. Researchers will combine cognitive testing, brain function insights, and behavioral data within existing HIV prevention programs in Chicago. The goal is to understand if neurocognitive effects of cannabis influence decisions about HIV testing and starting or staying on PrEP. The work will use data from participants in local health department programs to identify mechanisms and potential points for intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform targeted strategies to improve PrEP engagement among young cannabis users.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests a link between cannabis use and cognitive function and HIV prevention behaviors, but the integrated mechanism and PrEP engagement focus are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schneider, John — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Schneider, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.