How marijuana and vaping affect lung defenses
Official title: Alteration of bronchial epithelium host defenses by marijuana and vaping preparations
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10925364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how smoking or vaping marijuana affects lung health, especially how THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, might change the way our lungs fight off infections, helping us understand the potential long-term effects of marijuana use on breathing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057799-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use marijuana or vaping products and experience respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use marijuana or vaping products and have no respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of marijuana smoking and vaping on the bronchial epithelium, which is crucial for lung health. It focuses on how delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in marijuana, alters the lung's ability to defend against infections. By exposing human bronchial cells to THC, the study aims to understand changes in mucociliary function and susceptibility to bacterial infections. The findings could provide insights into the long-term effects of marijuana use on respiratory health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of respiratory conditions associated with marijuana use.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into the effects of smoking on lung health, this specific investigation into THC's impact on bronchial defenses is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cormet-Boyaka, Estelle a — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Cormet-Boyaka, Estelle a
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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.