How cannabis affects brain receptors in people with schizophrenia
Official title: Terminal type-specific cannabinoid CB1 receptor alterations in schizophrenia and cannabis use
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11054844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using cannabis affects certain brain receptors in people with schizophrenia, especially how THC, the active part of cannabis, might change these receptors in areas of the brain that help with memory, to better understand if cannabis use can make schizophrenia symptoms worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,540 |
| NIH project number | 1K08MH136415-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who also use cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabis use on cannabinoid receptors in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on how the psychoactive component of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alters the expression of CB1 receptors in specific brain regions associated with working memory. By comparing brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia and those exposed to THC, the study aims to understand the relationship between cannabis use and the worsening of schizophrenia symptoms. The findings could provide insights into how cannabis impacts brain function in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of schizophrenia symptoms in patients who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that cannabis use can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chou, Shinn-Yi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chou, Shinn-Yi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Terminal cannabinoid CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use
This grant studies how cannabis use and schizophrenia together affect a brain receptor (CB1) and what that could mean for memory and symptoms.
-
CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use linked to memory problems
This grant studies how the brain’s cannabinoid system may work differently in people with schizophrenia who use cannabis, especially affecting memory and thinking.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
-
Cannabis policies and prenatal cannabis use: how laws affect moms and babies
This grant studies how changes in recreational cannabis laws influence cannabis use during pregnancy and health outcomes for mothers and children.
-
Genetic, Social, and Environmental Factors Shaping Early Cannabis Use in Youth
A study with young people will look at how genes, surroundings, and behavior come together to predict who might start using cannabis early and how to prevent it.
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.