Impact of recreational cannabis legalization on opioid use and overdoses
Official title: CE24-012 - The Impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization on Substance Use Outcomes
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11357978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests how states with legalized recreational cannabis influence opioid use and overdose rates, using nationwide data to understand policy effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $326,510 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CE003675-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals in the U.S. affected by states with recreational cannabis laws and who experience pain management needs.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not residing in or affected by cannabis-legal state policies may receive no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use a nationally representative survey and nationwide overdose data to examine whether recreational cannabis legalization is linked to changes in self-management of pain with cannabis and in opioid-related harms. They will compare policy implementation characteristics and sociodemographic factors to see who might be most affected. The study uses quasi-experimental methods to isolate policy effects from other trends and will bring together experts in substance use, medicine, and statistics. Findings could guide policymakers and public health officials in crafting strategies to address opioid misuse and disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could inform policies that reduce opioid harm and address inequities related to substance use.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests policy changes can influence substance use patterns, but results vary by context and population.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Lindsay — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Lindsay
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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.