Investigating how prenatal cannabis exposure affects brain development and behavior in youth
Official title: The Role of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure in Reward-related Neural Circuitry and Psychotic-like Experiences in Youth
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10909856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to cannabis before birth might affect kids' brain development and their chances of having unusual thoughts or experiences as they grow up, so we can find ways to help those who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,856 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA060068-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth aged 9-20 who were exposed to cannabis in utero.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to cannabis during pregnancy or who are outside the age range of 9-20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on the brain's reward systems and the potential development of psychotic-like experiences in children and adolescents. By analyzing data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the project aims to identify how exposure to cannabis during pregnancy may influence neural and behavioral outcomes in youth. The study will focus on understanding the relationship between brain function, particularly in reward processing, and the risk of developing psychosis. This research could lead to early interventions and better predictive models for at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to early interventions for children at risk of developing psychosis due to prenatal cannabis exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between prenatal substance exposure and later behavioral outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amir, Carolyn — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Amir, Carolyn
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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.