How THC changes cigarette and e‑cigarette use and effects

Effect of Cannabinoids on Tobacco Product Demand and Pharmacodynamics

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11308270

This will give people who use both cannabis and tobacco controlled doses of THC to see how it changes their desire to use cigarettes or e‑cigs and their physical and subjective reactions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11308270 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would come to the Johns Hopkins lab for supervised sessions where researchers give measured doses of THC and let you use or sample combustible cigarettes or e‑cigarettes under safe conditions. The team will test different combinations of THC and nicotine amounts to see how they change cravings, how you report feeling, and basic physiological responses like heart rate. Two linked experiments compare effects for regular cigarettes versus e‑cigs so researchers can spot product-specific interactions. Study staff follow medical screening and safety procedures before and during visits.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who currently use both cannabis (THC) and tobacco products and who pass medical and safety screening (for example, not pregnant and without serious heart conditions) would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who only use one product, are under 18, pregnant, or have certain medical or psychiatric conditions would likely not be eligible or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify why cannabis use promotes ongoing tobacco use and help shape better treatments and public health guidance.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and preliminary human lab work suggest THC can boost nicotine motivation, but comprehensive human experiments across realistic THC and nicotine doses are limited, so this builds on promising but not yet definitive evidence.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.