How regular cannabis vaping affects mood, thinking, and metabolism after menopause
Official title: Mood, cognitive, and metabolic consequences of chronic vaporized cannabis exposure in mouse models of menopause
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11159857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers expose menopause-model mice to regular cannabis vapor to learn how it may change mood, memory, and metabolism relevant to people after menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA059754-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Postmenopausal people (typically age 50 and older) who currently use or are considering using cannabis vapor products for symptoms like mood changes, sleep problems, or hot flashes would be most interested.
✕Less likely to help
People who are premenopausal, men, or who only use non‑inhaled cannabis products may find the results less applicable to their situation.
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models that mimic the hormonal and aging changes of menopause to study chronic inhaled whole‑plant cannabis exposure. The team uses a validated vapor inhalation system designed to mirror human vaping patterns and carefully varies age and hormone status. They will measure mood-like behaviors, anxiety, cognitive performance, and metabolic outcomes such as body weight and glucose regulation. Findings are intended to be translatable to postmenopausal human health and to inform future clinical studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If translated to people, the findings could clarify whether regular cannabis vaping helps or harms mood, thinking, and metabolic health after menopause.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have linked cannabinoids to mood and metabolic effects, but applying a whole‑plant vapor inhalation model that closely mimics human vaping is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delevich, Kristen Marie — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Delevich, Kristen Marie
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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.