The impact of early cannabis use on later opioid use disorder and related factors.
Official title: Early cannabis use and later opioid use disorder - the role of adverse childhood experiences, genetic liability and comorbid stimulant use
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10999662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis early in life might affect the chances of developing opioid use disorder later on, especially for those who have had tough childhood experiences or certain genetic traits, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding the long-term effects of early drug use on health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA061592-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have a history of early cannabis use and may be at risk for developing opioid use disorder, particularly those with adverse childhood experiences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used cannabis or those who do not have any history of substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early cannabis use may influence the development of opioid use disorder (OUD) later in life, particularly in relation to adverse childhood experiences, genetic predispositions, and the use of stimulants. By analyzing data from various sources, the study aims to understand the connections between these factors and the likelihood of developing OUD. The research will utilize a combination of genetic analysis and behavioral assessments to explore these relationships, providing insights into how early drug use can affect long-term health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for opioid use disorder by identifying at-risk individuals based on their early cannabis use and other contributing factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between early cannabis use and later substance use disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agrawal, Arpana — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Agrawal, Arpana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Does starting cannabis young raise the risk of opioid addiction later?
Researchers will look at existing health and genetic data to see if people who began using cannabis in their teens are more likely to develop opioid addiction, and how childhood trauma, genes, and stimulant use change that risk.
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How marijuana affects withdrawal, safety, and drug‑liking in people with opioid use disorder
People with opioid use disorder will receive different doses of cannabis or a placebo so researchers can learn how marijuana changes withdrawal symptoms, drug liking, and safety measures.
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How cannabis affects people with opioid use disorder
This study is looking at how cannabis might help people with opioid use disorder by seeing if it can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of opioid abuse, and it's designed for individuals who are dealing with this condition.
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Systems analysis to improve opioid use disorder care after jail release (SAIA-MOUD)
A program to help people with opioid use disorder get better, faster, and safer care after they leave jail.
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Precise epigenetic drugs for opioid addiction
A tiny, targeted drug approach is being developed to help people with opioid use disorder by rewriting the epigenetic signals in the brain to reduce cravings and relapse risk.
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Increasing Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder for Unhoused Montanans
This project helps unhoused people in Montana get life-saving medicines for opioid use disorder through clinics connected to syringe service programs, a nurse-led MOUD model, and peer support.
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.