How high-potency cannabis products impact mental health and social functioning in adolescents
Official title: Effects of High Potency Cannabis Products on Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11049106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using strong cannabis products affects the mental health and social life of teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 20, so we can better understand the impact of these products on their well-being over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,243 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057894-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who use or have used cannabis products, particularly those with high THC concentrations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are outside the age range of 12-20 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of high-potency cannabis products, particularly concentrates with THC levels significantly higher than traditional cannabis, on mental health and psychosocial functioning in adolescents aged 12-20. By utilizing a longitudinal twin study, participants will be assessed over time to understand the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes. The study aims to clarify how different cannabis products influence cannabinoid exposure and its subsequent effects on psychological well-being and social interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the mental health risks associated with high-potency cannabis use, helping to inform public health policies and treatment approaches for adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on cannabis use and mental health, this study's focus on high-potency products and its longitudinal design offers a novel approach to understanding these effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hopfer, Christian J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Hopfer, Christian J
Related research
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This study looks at how being around tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke, and nicotine vapor affects kids' mental health from before they're born all the way through their teenage years, helping us understand the risks these exposures might pose as they grow up.
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.