How THC affects alcohol consumption and brain reward systems
Official title: Effects of THC on Alcohol Consumption and Neural Correlates of Reward
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11037923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using THC from cannabis affects how much alcohol people drink and how it impacts the brain's reward system, so if you're curious about how these two substances interact, this research might be for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,440 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030837-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who consume both alcohol and cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use alcohol or cannabis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of THC, the active component in cannabis, on alcohol consumption and the brain's reward systems. It aims to understand how simultaneous use of THC and alcohol influences drinking behavior and the underlying neural mechanisms. By examining the interaction between THC and alcohol, the study will explore whether THC increases or decreases the desire to consume alcohol. Participants will be involved in laboratory assessments to measure their responses to alcohol after THC exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of alcohol use disorders, particularly in individuals who also use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effects of THC on alcohol consumption, indicating that this area is still being explored and may yield novel insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gowin, Joshua Leigh — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Gowin, Joshua Leigh
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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.