Understanding how cannabis withdrawal affects the brain in adolescents
Official title: Glutamatergic plasticity that drives cannabinoid withdrawal and craving
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10907772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis during the teenage years affects brain function and cravings when someone stops using it, with the goal of finding better treatments for young people struggling with cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $536,027 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056485-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have a history of cannabis use and may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used cannabis or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of chronic cannabis use during adolescence on brain function, specifically focusing on glutamatergic transmission in a brain region called the nucleus accumbens. The study aims to understand how withdrawal from cannabis can lead to cravings and relapse, particularly in young individuals. By examining the neurobiological changes that occur during abstinence, the research seeks to identify potential targets for new treatments for cannabis use disorder. The approach includes both behavioral assessments and neurobiological analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for adolescents struggling with cannabis use disorder and withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological impacts of substance use, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, Sade Monique — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Spencer, Sade Monique
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers related to human reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different factors in our bodies affect reproduction and the health of children and teens, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about these important topics by analyzing samples like blood and urine without changing anything in their daily lives.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Minnesota Population Center: a hub for migration, family and community data science
A university research center helps researchers study population dynamics by sharing data, training researchers, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
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.