How cannabinoid exposure during development impacts brain and behavior
Official title: Vulnerability and Persistence of Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Deficits from Developmental Cannabinoid Exposure
Funded at University of Mississippi · NIH-11121890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how exposure to cannabinoids like THC and CBD during pregnancy and adolescence might affect brain development and long-term behavior in children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $435,107 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057317-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals, particularly children and adolescents, who have been exposed to cannabinoids during key developmental stages, as well as for pregnant individuals considering cannabinoid use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not exposed to cannabinoids during developmental stages would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We want to understand how cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, might affect a child's brain development when exposure happens during pregnancy or adolescence. Our goal is to find out when exposure is most harmful, how different doses and sexes are affected, and what specific changes happen in the brain. We are also looking at how various cannabinoids available to consumers might impact development. This work uses models to help us learn about the long-term effects on behavior, specifically focusing on inflammation in the developing brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us understand the risks of cannabinoid exposure during critical developmental periods, potentially leading to better guidance for pregnant individuals and adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings in a zebrafish model have shown altered behavior after early cannabinoid exposure, suggesting this approach builds on existing observations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi
University, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Willett, Kristine L — University of Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Willett, Kristine L
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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.