# Cannabis Nexus Initiative: Cannabis and Heart Rate Variability Study in HBCU Students

> **NIH NIH R15** · VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $430,014

## Abstract

Given the shifts in social perceptions and legalization efforts relating to cannabis use, it is imperative to determine the complex interplay between cannabis use and cardiovascular health. Researchers have identified an association between cannabis use and cardiovascular events, but the current study is novel in that it measures associations between chronic cannabis use and autonomic health in young males and females. In addition to addressing this gap in the literature, the current project focuses on college students. Preliminary data from the current award (1R15DA052886-01A1) suggests autonomic differences between individuals living with CUD that may differ by sex. 
 
The aim presented in this renewal proposal focuses on the chronic cannabis use and determines differences in resting and 24-hour heart rate variability (HRV) as a function of sex between those with CUD and non-substance use disorder students at Virginia State University. For Specific Aim 1 we plan to use the Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset and Quantity of Cannabis Use Inventory, in addition to Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to determine cannabis use and CUD prevalence. We plan to use a Heart Rhythm Scanner to determine HRV at baseline, we utilize the Garmin watches to determine differences in photoplethysmographic 24-hour HRV data between those living with and those living without CUD.
 
If this renewal awarded, the specific aim will allow: 1) Funding for 8 undergraduate students to participate in biomedical research, 2) Give the opportunity for students to generate data for conferences and manuscripts, 3) Provide pilot data for future NIH proposals for faculty members and their students 4) Prepare undergraduate students for the process of applying to graduate school, 5) Inspire and expose undergraduate students to scientific and professional workshops, site visits, and various grant related activities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10292002
- **Project number:** 1R15DA052886-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Larry D Keen
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $430,014
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10292002

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10292002, Cannabis Nexus Initiative: Cannabis and Heart Rate Variability Study in HBCU Students (1R15DA052886-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10292002. Licensed CC0.

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