How cannabis use affects brain development and behavior in adolescents

Cognitive flexibility and reward motivation in adolescent cannabis use: An investigation of neurobehavioral mechanisms and intrinsic resting state connectivity.

NIH-funded research Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital · NIH-10802444

This study is looking at how using cannabis during the teenage years affects thinking, motivation, and brain connections, and it's for teens aged 14 to 17 who either use cannabis or don’t, to help us understand the potential risks of cannabis on their developing brains.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmma Pendleton Bradley Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Riverside, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10802444 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of cannabis use during adolescence on cognitive flexibility, reward motivation, and brain connectivity. By comparing adolescents who use cannabis with those who do not, the study aims to understand how cannabis disrupts normal brain development and influences behavior. The research will involve collecting data on symptoms, brain circuits, and behaviors from participants aged 14 to 17. The goal is to identify the neurobehavioral mechanisms that contribute to the risks associated with adolescent cannabis use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 14 to 17 who are engaged in cannabis use or are typically developing without cannabis use.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not use cannabis may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for adolescents at risk of substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobehavioral mechanisms of substance use in adolescents can lead to significant advancements in treatment and prevention, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Riverside, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions disease causation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.