# Impact of Cannabinoid Across the Lifespan (ICAL)

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2024 · $181,043

## Abstract

ICAL ANALYTICAL CORE: SUMMARY
The NIDA Center of Excellence Impact of Cannabinoids Across the Lifespan (ICAL), whose renewal is
proposed in this revised application, tests the hypothesis that non-physiological activation of the
endocannabinoid system during adolescence – caused by exposure to D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) –
initiates a reprogramming of the genetic and epigenetic processes that govern this system’s molecular
structure, neuroanatomical architecture, and synaptic functions, ultimately producing persistent abnormalities
in cognition and motivated behavior. In the first funding period, which lasted 4 years, the Analytical Core
conducted nine studies which (1) systematically characterized drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic
properties of THC in adolescent and adult mice and rats of both sexes; and (2) provided
pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evidence that ICAL’s treatment protocol is a realistic
surrogate for daily cannabis use in teenagers. The studies have produced eight publications and two
articles in preparation. In this resubmission of ICAL’s renewal application, the Analytical Core has two
specific aims. Aim 1: Provide bioanalytical support to ICAL activities. As in the previous funding period, the
Core will continue to fulfill requests for endocannabinoid and THC analysis made by ICAL’s Animal Core,
Projects, pilot grantees, and external collaborators. Aim 2: Develop a novel highly sensitive method for
endocannabinoid analysis and will apply this method to the emerging needs of ICAL’s Projects. The Core will
be directed by Dr. Faizy Ahmed, who has >30 years of experience in analytical chemistry with emphasis on
liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). His primary responsibilities will be to: (i)
implement LC-MS/MS methods for the quantification of THC, its metabolites, and endocannabinoid lipids in
tissues; (ii) develop, validate and test an innovative LC-MS/MS assay for the quantification of trace
endocannabinoid lipids in relevant biomaterials; (iii) schedule shared use and maintenance of LC-MS/MS
instrumentation; (iv) supervise a Senior Staff Research Associate responsible for sample preparation; and (v)
train graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the use of LC-MS/MS equipment for THC and
endocannabinoid analysis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10932778
- **Project number:** 2P50DA044118-05A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Faizy Ahmed
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $181,043
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10932778

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10932778, Impact of Cannabinoid Across the Lifespan (ICAL) (2P50DA044118-05A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10932778. Licensed CC0.

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