Investigating the effects of cannabis on heart health in college students
Official title: Cannabis Nexus Initiative: Cannabis and Heart Rate Variability Study in HBCU Students
Funded at Virginia State University · NIH-10292002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might change heart health, especially for African American students at HBCUs, and it wants to understand how often and how much they use cannabis and how that relates to their heart's well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Petersburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $430,014 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DA052886-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10292002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American college students who use cannabis or are at risk for Cannabis Use Disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are not within the target demographic of African American students at HBCUs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how cannabis use affects heart rate variability, particularly among African American students at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The study aims to assess the frequency and quantity of cannabis use and its relationship with cardiovascular health. Participants will undergo evaluations using specific inventories and heart monitoring devices to gather data on their cannabis use and heart health. The goal is to fill a gap in existing literature regarding cannabis use and its cardiovascular implications in young adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into the cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, helping to inform health guidelines for young adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on cannabis and cardiovascular health, this specific focus on HBCU students and heart rate variability is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia State University
Petersburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keen, Larry D — Virginia State University
- Study coordinator: Keen, Larry D
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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.