How cannabis use affects brain changes linked to depression
Official title: Functional convergence following disruption of diverse genes associated with cannabis use and major depression
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10932680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might affect the brain and contribute to major depression, by comparing brain samples from people who use cannabis, those with depression, and those without any issues, to better understand the changes that happen in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $441,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DA060811-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of cannabis use disorder or major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis and do not have any history of depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between cannabis use and major depression by examining how cannabis alters the development of specific brain regions. Researchers will analyze brain samples from individuals with cannabis use disorder, major depressive disorder, and neurotypical controls to identify molecular changes associated with these conditions. By utilizing advanced genomic techniques, the study aims to uncover the genetic and epigenetic factors that may increase vulnerability to depression following cannabis use. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms linking drug use and psychiatric disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how cannabis use contributes to depression, potentially informing prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the association between cannabis use and depression has been noted, this specific approach using advanced genomic techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Girgenti, Matthew J — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Girgenti, Matthew J
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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.