How teen cannabis (THC) affects the front part of the brain and possible treatments
Mechanisms and treatment of adolescent phytocannabinoid impairment of prefrontal cortex function
Researchers are testing whether teen exposure to THC harms the developing prefrontal cortex and whether treatments can prevent or reverse those brain changes in adolescents and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294166 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They use animal models that mimic teenage THC exposure to follow how the prefrontal cortex matures and how THC disrupts that process. The team measures circuit-level brain changes, behavior linked to planning and working memory, and underlying molecular signaling. They will test candidate treatments designed to restore normal brain circuitry and behavior after adolescent THC exposure. Results will be compared with human imaging findings to help guide future clinical approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adolescents or young adults with a history of heavy or frequent cannabis (THC) use who are noticing problems with memory, attention, planning, or mood.
Not a fit: People without a history of adolescent cannabis exposure or whose cognitive or psychiatric problems stem from other causes may be unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that protect or restore prefrontal cortex function and reduce the long-term risk of mood, addiction, or psychotic disorders after adolescent cannabis use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and human brain imaging have shown lasting prefrontal cortex changes after adolescent cannabis exposure, but therapies to reverse these changes remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Hui-Chen — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Hui-Chen
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.