How regular cannabis vaping affects mood, thinking, and metabolism after menopause
Mood, cognitive, and metabolic consequences of chronic vaporized cannabis exposure in mouse models of menopause
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 ID | NIH-11159857 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People who are premenopausal, men, or who only use non‑inhaled cannabis products may find the results less applicable to their situation.
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 performed: 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
Pullman, United States
- Washington State University — Pullman, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delevich, Kristen Marie — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Delevich, Kristen Marie
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 below.