# Cannabis and Nicotine Co-Use Influences on Protracted Development of Neural Structure and Function

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2021 · $670,893

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The distinctive effects of combined nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) and cannabis use on
neuromaturational brain changes is unknown despite preclinical evidence of a functional interaction between
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nicotine in the brain that may enhance susceptibility to the
development of problematic substance use patterns and addiction severity symptoms. As cannabis becomes
more socially accepted and accessible and nicotine delivery methods become more advanced and widespread
among emerging adults, the neurobiological effects of co-use of these two substances during young adulthood
must be better understood.
The primary objective of the proposed prospective research is to recruit a sample of emerging adults (N=200)
ages 18-19 at enrollment for three in-person assessments over three years, and a follow-up behavioral
interview four years post-enrollment. At enrollment, participants will report either concurrent and simultaneous
cannabis and NTP co-use, cannabis use only, NTP use only, and minimal to no use of either substance to
compare how cannabis and nicotine use trajectories influence: (1) structural, vascular, and functional brain
integrity, (2) neurocognition, (3) stress, emotional distress, and substance use, and (4) circulating
endocannabinoid concentrations in blood serum. The study will use cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques
(restriction spectrum imaging, pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling, and high-resolution
magnetoencephalography), cognitive testing, bioassays, and detailed mental health assessments at all in-
person visits for a more precise understanding of the unique and combined effects of cannabis and NTP use
on neural health, behavior, and the endocannabinoid system from ages 18-25 years-old.
Young adults are one of our most vulnerable populations (e.g., high peak substance use rates, high
vulnerability for addiction, high susceptibility to peer use attitudes and perceptions). As a result, they are
specifically targeted by the cannabis and tobacco industry, particularly as the regulatory environment continues
to become increasingly permissive for cannabis products. Yet, there is a remarkable paucity of research
examining co-use of these two commonly used substances on neural health and neurocognitive functioning in
emerging adults. The proposed research will lead to a greater understanding of the unique and combined
effects of these substances on protracted brain development and risk for substance use disorders, which will
guide neuroscience-informed prevention and intervention programs, public health messages, and public policy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10274472
- **Project number:** 1R01DA054106-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Joanna Jacobus
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $670,893
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-08-15 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10274472

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10274472, Cannabis and Nicotine Co-Use Influences on Protracted Development of Neural Structure and Function (1R01DA054106-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10274472. Licensed CC0.

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