How your genes influence cannabis effects, addiction risk, and thinking problems

Genetic Basis of the Risk and Consequences of Cannabis Exposure in Humans

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11368636

This project looks at how people's genes affect their risk of cannabis addiction, psychosis, and problems with attention or memory.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11368636 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You may be asked to give a saliva or blood sample for DNA and share your medical and cannabis use history so researchers can compare people who develop addiction, psychosis, or thinking problems with those who do not. The team will run genome-wide analyses to find genetic differences linked to these outcomes and study how genes change responses to different cannabinoid products and to new treatments for cannabis use disorder. The work brings together human genetics and cannabinoid pharmacology groups and uses data from people and patient samples. Participation may involve clinic visits or remote sample collection depending on the site.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are people who use cannabis, especially those with cannabis use disorder, cannabis-related psychosis, or cognitive problems, who can provide a DNA sample and medical history.

Not a fit: People who have never used cannabis or who cannot provide biological samples or medical records are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict who is most at risk from cannabis and guide more personalized prevention or treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous genome-wide studies, including a GWAS published by this team, have found genetic links to cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia, but translating those findings into treatments is still new.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.