Understanding how age, health conditions, and genetics affect cannabis use in older adults
Official title: Quantifying effects of comorbidities and genetics on cannabinoid exposure in the elderly
Funded at York College · NIH-10913302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging, health issues, and genetics affect how safe and helpful cannabis is for older adults, so we can better understand its risks and benefits for their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | York College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jamaica, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,599 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM146679-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are considering or currently using cannabis for health reasons.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not using cannabis for health purposes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging, existing health conditions, and genetic differences influence the safety and effectiveness of cannabis use among older adults. By examining the metabolism of cannabinoids like CBD and THC in the elderly, the study aims to identify potential risks and benefits associated with cannabis consumption. The research will analyze how various factors, including liver function and genetic variants, impact the way these substances are processed in the body. This knowledge could help tailor cannabis use to improve health outcomes for older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective cannabis use guidelines for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into cannabis use among older adults, this specific focus on the interplay of comorbidities and genetics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
York College
Jamaica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Zhu — York College
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Zhu
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.