How cannabis affects brain development and thinking skills in adolescents
Official title: Microglia-mediated adverse effect of cannabis on prefrontal cortex maturation and cognitive function
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11065740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using a lot of cannabis might affect the brain development and thinking skills of teenagers, especially focusing on how a key ingredient in cannabis interacts with brain cells that help with growth and learning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $727,497 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA060630-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are heavy cannabis users or at risk of cannabis use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of heavy cannabis use on the development of the prefrontal cortex and cognitive functions in adolescents. It focuses on how the active component of cannabis, THC, interacts with microglia—immune cells in the brain that play a role in brain maturation. By studying mouse models, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which THC exposure alters microglial function and affects cognitive abilities, particularly impulsivity and executive function. The findings could provide insights into the risks associated with adolescent cannabis use and inform prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of cognitive impairments associated with adolescent cannabis use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cannabis use can adversely affect cognitive functions, but this specific investigation into microglial mediation is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamiya, Atsushi — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kamiya, Atsushi
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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.