Investigating how chronic marijuana use affects brain inflammation and injury in people with HIV

Modeling the effects of chronic marijuana use on neuroinflammation and HIV-related neuronal injury

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10890228

This study is looking at how long-term marijuana use might affect brain health and inflammation in people living with HIV, to see if it could make cognitive issues worse, even though marijuana might have some benefits.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890228 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of chronic marijuana use on neuroinflammation and neuronal injury in individuals living with HIV. It aims to understand how marijuana may exacerbate cognitive deficits and brain abnormalities associated with HIV, despite its potential therapeutic benefits. The study will utilize an in vivo model to examine the relationship between marijuana use, HIV-related inflammation, and brain injury over time. By analyzing inflammatory markers and cannabinoid metabolites, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are living with HIV and have a history of chronic marijuana use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or who do not use marijuana may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive complications in HIV patients who use marijuana.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that chronic marijuana use can impact cognitive function in HIV patients, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.