Repeated cannabis with different THC/CBD mixes and how it affects pain, cravings, and body chemicals
Official title: Repeated Administration of Cannabis Varying in THC and CBD: Effects on Abuse Liability, Experimental Pain and Plasma Endocannabinoids
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11540788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how taking cannabis repeatedly, with different THC and CBD amounts, changes pain experiences, potential for abuse, and levels of body chemicals related to the endocannabinoid system in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $18,711 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA053332-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11540788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who use cannabis for chronic pain and are willing to participate in controlled, inpatient testing with different THC/CBD formulations.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not seeking or willing to participate in controlled cannabis administration studies or those with contraindications to cannabis use.
What this research studies
If you use medical cannabis for pain, this study looks at how ongoing use with varying THC and CBD ratios might alter pain relief and tendencies toward misuse. It also examines whether stopping cannabis after prolonged use causes withdrawal-related pain and how circulating endocannabinoids respond to repeated dosing. The research includes careful monitoring of pain sensitivity, craving potential, and changes in key body chemicals before, during, and after cannabis exposure. All procedures are conducted under controlled conditions with medical supervision to understand potential risks and benefits for patients who rely on cannabis for pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could clarify how long-term cannabis use affects pain control and risk of misuse, potentially guiding safer, more effective patient dosing strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that cannabinoid exposure can alter pain perception and endocannabinoid levels, with ongoing trials building understanding of tolerance and withdrawal.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haney, Margaret — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Haney, Margaret
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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.