Investigating if brain changes from cannabis use improve after stopping use.
Official title: Do hippocampal synaptic density deficits in cannabis use disorder improve following abstinence?
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10886744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might change the brain, especially a part called the hippocampus that helps with memory, and it wants to see if taking a break from cannabis for four weeks can help improve brain structure and memory in young adults and teens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $597,469 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA054314-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 12 years and older who have been diagnosed with cannabis use disorder and are willing to abstain from cannabis for four weeks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cannabis use disorder or those who are not willing to abstain from cannabis use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how cannabis use affects the brain, particularly focusing on the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory. It aims to determine if the synaptic density in the hippocampus, which may decrease due to cannabis use, improves after a period of abstinence. Participants will undergo brain imaging before and after four weeks of not using cannabis to assess any changes in brain structure and memory performance. This study is particularly relevant for understanding the long-term effects of cannabis on young adults and adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how abstaining from cannabis may help restore brain function and improve memory in individuals with cannabis use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that abstinence from substances can lead to improvements in brain function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'souza, Deepak Cyril — Yale University
- Study coordinator: D'souza, Deepak Cyril
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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.