How adolescent cannabis use affects brain function and addiction risk
Official title: Persistent Impacts of Adolescent THC on Microglial Function and Opioid Addiction Risk
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11075526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using cannabis during teenage years might affect brain health and increase the chances of becoming addicted to opioids, using rats to understand these changes better and find ways to help prevent addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,563 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS141399-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who have a history of cannabis use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used cannabis during adolescence or who are not at risk for opioid addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of adolescent cannabis use on brain function and the risk of developing opioid addiction. Using a rat model, the study examines how exposure to THC during adolescence alters brain immune cells called microglia and impacts behaviors related to opioid seeking. By employing advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing and experimental interventions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes and identify potential strategies for preventing opioid addiction. The findings could provide valuable insights into the risks associated with adolescent cannabis use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help prevent opioid addiction in individuals who used cannabis during adolescence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that adolescent substance use can lead to significant changes in brain function and increased addiction risk, supporting the relevance of this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Maricela Xochil — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Maricela Xochil
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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.