How heavy cannabis use affects thinking and HIV prevention in young Black sexual minority men

Heavy cannabis use, neurocognition and PrEP care engagement among young Black sexual minority men

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11402104

This project looks at whether heavy cannabis use changes thinking and decision-making and how that affects taking HIV prevention medicine (PrEP) among young Black sexual minority men.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11402104 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You will be asked about your cannabis use, sexual behavior, and PrEP care, and may complete tests of thinking, decision-making, and other brain-related assessments. The researchers will combine your reports and test results with records of PrEP engagement and HIV prevention services over time. Recruitment focuses on young Black sexual minority men on the South Side of Chicago through local health department and CDC-supported programs. The team aims to see whether cannabis-related changes in thinking help explain who starts and stays on PrEP.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young Black sexual minority men who live or receive services on Chicago's South Side, especially those who use cannabis.

Not a fit: People who are not Black sexual minority men, who live outside the Chicago area, or who are not engaged with PrEP-related services are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help programs better support people who use cannabis so more at-risk individuals start and stay on PrEP.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked heavy cannabis use to risky sexual behavior and cognitive changes, but using these findings to improve PrEP participation is still relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
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.