Varenicline for tobacco and cannabis co-use in adults
Official title: Randomized controlled trial of varenicline to treat tobacco and cannabis co-use.
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11332873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A remote 12-week study will test whether varenicline plus support helps adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis to cut both, compared to a control condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,790,598 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA290842-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 18+ who smoke daily or near-daily cigarettes and regularly use cannabis and are willing to participate remotely.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not use cannabis regularly or who cannot participate remotely may not benefit.
What this research studies
This trial focuses on adults 18 and older who regularly smoke cigarettes and use cannabis. Participants will receive varenicline along with psychosocial support tailored to co-use through a fully remote program over 12 weeks. The study aims to see if this combination can reduce cannabis use and increase cigarette abstinence in a real-world setting. It builds on prior data suggesting varenicline may help with cannabis use when paired with behavioral support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could reduce or stop both tobacco and cannabis use and improve overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest varenicline may help reduce cannabis use when combined with psychosocial support, but this approach is being tested in a fully powered trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclure, Erin a — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Mcclure, Erin 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.