Understanding how cannabis affects PTSD symptoms
Official title: Neurobiological mechanisms underlying changes in PTSD-like symptoms after cannabis use
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11080300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might help or hurt people with PTSD, especially those who also struggle with cannabis use, to better understand how it affects their brains and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,551 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DA058761-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who also have a history of cannabis use or cannabis use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or cannabis use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between cannabis use and PTSD symptoms, particularly in individuals who also have cannabis use disorder. It aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms that may explain how cannabis can either alleviate or worsen PTSD symptoms. By using a combination of stress exposure and cannabis self-administration in animal models, the study seeks to identify specific behavioral responses and brain changes associated with these effects. The findings could provide insights into the potential therapeutic or detrimental impacts of cannabis on PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment strategies for individuals suffering from PTSD and cannabis use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effects of cannabis on PTSD, indicating that this area is still under investigation and may yield novel insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodebourg, Ritchy — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Hodebourg, Ritchy
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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.