Understanding how young adults' life changes affect their cannabis use patterns
Official title: Using behavioral economic domains to characterize cannabis use trajectories among young adults: A prospective mixed-methods investigation
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11132879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how big life changes, like starting college or a new job, affect how young adults aged 18-25 use cannabis, and it aims to understand what makes them use more or less of it during these times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $697,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058041-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-25 who are current or past cannabis users.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 18-25 or who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how various life transitions during young adulthood (ages 18-25) influence cannabis use behaviors. By employing a behavioral economic framework, the study aims to identify factors that lead to either increased or decreased cannabis use among young adults. Participants will be monitored over time to assess their cannabis use patterns in relation to significant life events, such as starting college or entering a new job. The research combines quantitative data collection with qualitative insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help young adults manage their cannabis use more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding behavioral economics can effectively inform substance use interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aston, Elizabeth — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Aston, Elizabeth
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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.