Investigating the effects of regular alcohol and cannabis use on health
Official title: Exploring differential biological and psychological effects of regular alcohol and cannabis use in humans
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10977060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol and using cannabis affects your body and mind, and it's for people aged 21 to 40 who use these substances in different ways; researchers will collect samples and ask questions to see how these habits might change your gut health and mood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | December 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,068 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA030492-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21-40 who regularly consume alcohol, cannabis, or both.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use alcohol or cannabis, or those outside the age range of 21-40, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how regular use of alcohol and cannabis affects both the body and mind. It focuses on individuals aged 21-40 who use these substances in different patterns, such as exclusively using one or both. The study will collect fecal and blood samples to analyze changes in the gut microbiome and levels of endocannabinoids, while also assessing psychological factors like depression and anxiety through validated questionnaires. By comparing these different groups, the research aims to uncover significant health impacts related to substance use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how alcohol and cannabis use affects mental and physical health, potentially guiding better treatment and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on the effects of alcohol and cannabis separately, this study's specific multi-faceted approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drennan, Meggan L — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Drennan, Meggan L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
-
Terminal cannabinoid CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use
This grant studies how cannabis use and schizophrenia together affect a brain receptor (CB1) and what that could mean for memory and symptoms.
-
Cannabis policies and prenatal cannabis use: how laws affect moms and babies
This grant studies how changes in recreational cannabis laws influence cannabis use during pregnancy and health outcomes for mothers and children.
-
Genetic, Social, and Environmental Factors Shaping Early Cannabis Use in Youth
A study with young people will look at how genes, surroundings, and behavior come together to predict who might start using cannabis early and how to prevent it.
-
Cannabis use and how young adults feel about its effects
This grant helps a researcher study how young adults experience cannabis, including both positive and negative effects, and how these feelings relate to use patterns.
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.