Using Tetrahydrocannabivarin to help smokers quit
Official title: Development of Tetrahydrocannabivarin as a Treatment for Smokers
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10989356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a compound called Δ9-THCV can help people who smoke cigarettes quit by making it easier to resist the urge to smoke and handle withdrawal symptoms, and it involves trying out Δ9-THCV or a placebo over five days.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA059769-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are daily smokers who are motivated to quit and are between the ages of 18 and 65.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or those with contraindications to cannabinoid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) as a treatment for individuals who smoke cigarettes. The study will involve a randomized, double-blind, crossover design where participants will receive either Δ9-THCV or a placebo over a period of five days. During this time, participants will engage in tasks designed to assess their ability to resist smoking and manage withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to evaluate how effective Δ9-THCV is in reducing nicotine dependence and improving smoking cessation outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new pharmacotherapy option for smokers looking to quit, potentially improving quit rates significantly.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise for cannabinoid-based treatments in addiction, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Lara a. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ray, Lara a.
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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.