Sex differences in how cannabis use and stress affect the brain in young adults
Official title: Sex Differences in the Interface between Cannabis Use and Stress among Emerging Adults
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11404795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study focused on young adults explores how cannabis use and stress interact differently for men and women and what this means for brain development and coping.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2002 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $298,716 |
| NIH project number | 5U54DA016511-24 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Emerging adults (approximately late teens to mid-20s) who use cannabis and experience stress.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals outside the target age range or without exposure to cannabis or stress-related issues may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how exposure to cannabis during a key developmental period may alter stress responses differently in males and females. It uses human participants in late adolescence to young adulthood to examine endocannabinoid system changes and coping strategies. The research aims to connect patterns of cannabis use, stress response, and potential future risk for cannabis use disorder. Findings could inform gender-sensitive approaches to prevention and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could improve gender-specific strategies for managing cannabis-related stress and reduce risk of future cannabis use problems.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests sex differences in endocannabinoid signaling and stress responses, but this area needs more human data.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gray, Kevin M. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Gray, Kevin M.
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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.