How age and sex affect the effects of THC from cannabis

Age-and sex-dependent pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral and smoked delta-9-THC

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-10708932

This study is looking at how THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, affects people differently depending on their age and whether they are male or female, especially focusing on young and older adults to better understand the risks of using cannabis as it becomes more common.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10708932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, affects individuals differently based on their age and sex. It focuses on vulnerable populations, including young adults and older adults, to understand the risks associated with THC use, especially as cannabis becomes more widely available. The study will analyze the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of THC, which means it will look at how the body processes THC and how it affects the body. By examining these factors, the research aims to provide insights into the potential negative effects of THC exposure in these specific groups.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include young adults aged 18-25 and older adults aged 55 and above who use or are considering using cannabis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use cannabis or are outside the specified age ranges may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and guidelines for safe cannabis use among vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on cannabis use, this specific focus on age and sex differences in THC effects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.