Investigating how cannabis affects Veterans with psychosis
Official title: A neurobiological investigation of cannabis use and misuse in Veterans
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11043430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis affects Veterans with psychosis, focusing on whether it makes their symptoms worse and how it impacts their thinking, with the goal of finding better ways to help those who might be struggling with both issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002547-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with psychosis who also use cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of psychosis or those who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between cannabis use and its impact on Veterans suffering from psychosis. It aims to understand how cannabis may worsen symptoms, impair cognition, and lead to increased hospitalizations. The study will utilize advanced neurobiological techniques to assess brain activity and identify potential treatment options for cannabis use disorder in this population. By examining the neural mechanisms involved, the research seeks to develop more effective interventions for Veterans struggling with both psychosis and cannabis use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for Veterans with psychosis who use cannabis, potentially enhancing their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While some preliminary research has explored the effects of cannabis on psychosis, this investigation aims to provide novel insights into the neurobiological mechanisms involved, making it a unique contribution to the field.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Ashley Schnakenberg — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Martin, Ashley Schnakenberg
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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.