How age and sex affect the effects of THC from cannabis
Official title: Age-and sex-dependent pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral and smoked delta-9-THC
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10708932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $661,918 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057252-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10708932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are outside the specified age ranges may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Ziva D — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Ziva D
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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.