Understanding Alcohol and Cannabis Together

Neurobehavioral Effects of Frequent Co-use of Alcohol and Cannabis

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11099828

This project aims to understand how using alcohol and cannabis at the same time affects the brain, hormones, and behavior.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11099828 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are looking for people who use alcohol and cannabis together, or who use only one of these substances, or neither, to help us learn more. Participants will have a brain scan while completing a stress task, and we will collect blood samples to check stress hormones. You will also use a smartphone app for short daily check-ins about stress, cravings, and substance use over one year. This helps us see how stress might increase risks for those who use both substances.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are male and female individuals who use alcohol and cannabis together, use only alcohol, use only cannabis, or do not engage in binge/heavy alcohol use or cannabis use.

Not a fit: Patients not currently using alcohol or cannabis, or those not interested in understanding the neurobehavioral aspects of substance use, may not directly benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could lead to better ways to help people who struggle with using both alcohol and cannabis.

How similar studies have performed: This project addresses a significant gap in knowledge regarding the neural, neuroendocrine, and behavioral differences in simultaneous alcohol and cannabis users, suggesting a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.