Investigating new medications for cannabis use disorder.
Official title: Dual Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH)/Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) Inhibitors for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
Funded at Makscientific, LLC · NIH-11264494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medications to help people with cannabis use disorder by boosting the natural chemicals in the brain that can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and it may involve patients trying out these new treatments to see how well they work and if they're safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Makscientific, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $55,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R43DA057439-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder who are seeking treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cannabis use disorder or those who are not interested in pharmacological treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new medications for cannabis use disorder (CUD) by targeting specific enzymes that break down endocannabinoids in the brain. The approach involves inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to increase levels of natural compounds that may help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with cannabis use. By enhancing the body's own endocannabinoid system, the research aims to provide a safer alternative to current treatments that can have unwanted side effects. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of these new medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective medications that help individuals overcome cannabis use disorder with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance endocannabinoid activity, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Makscientific, LLC
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alapafuja, Shakiru Olajire — Makscientific, LLC
- Study coordinator: Alapafuja, Shakiru Olajire
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Varenicline for Cannabis Use Disorder in Men and Women
A clinical trial will test if varenicline helps people with cannabis use disorder, with a focus on differences between men and women and added counseling to support craving and mood management.
-
Cannabis Use Disorder and Opioid Health Risks in Veterans: A Long-Term VA Study
A long-term study of veterans looking at how cannabis use disorder and its treatment relate to opioid-related health problems and hospital visits.
-
One-session computerized program with text reminders to help manage distress and reduce cannabis use
A short computer-delivered emotional skills session plus just-in-time text reminders to help people who use cannabis and struggle with handling distress learn to tolerate emotions and cut back on use.
-
Advancing Pregnenolone as a Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder with Depression
A study tests pregnenolone as a therapy for adults who have both cannabis use disorder and depression and aims to reduce cannabis use and improve mood.
-
Cannabis use and HIV: how pot may affect aging and HIV outcomes
A big study will look at how cannabis use and cannabis use disorder affect older people with HIV, including how it relates to aging problems and HIV treatment success.
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.