# The impact of cannabinoids on inflammation, HIV viral load and symptoms of distress among persons living with HIV

> **NIH NIH K01** · BAYLOR UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $147,998

## Abstract

7. PROJECT ABSTRACT
This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) will provide Dr. Chukwuemeka N. Okafor with
training and expertise needed to facilitate his transition toward research independence in HIV and drug use
prevention research. Dr. Okafor’s proposed training plan is designed to build upon his previous work in HIV
and drug use epidemiology to increase his knowledge and expertise in: (1) the design, implementation and
analysis of clinical trials and behavioral interventions for drug use prevention in the context of HIV (2) addiction
research and research that integrates behavioral science and biological markers in the context of drug use and
HIV (3) training in the ethical conduct of research and (4) career skills necessary for academic research. Dr.
Okafor will achieve these training goals via didactic coursework, directed readings, workshops, scientific
conferences, fieldwork and mentoring from an expert multidisciplinary panel of mentors led by Dr. Steve
Shoptaw (primary mentor). The proposed research activities addresses an important public health issue
regarding the impact of cannabis on health outcomes among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Majority of the
few studies of the consequences of cannabis use in PLWH have produced mixed findings. Potential
explanations for lack of clear evidence of the health consequences of cannabis might be due to the different
active constituents (cannabinoids) in the cannabis products used. Tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and
cannabidiol (CBD) are the most frequently studied cannabinoids and growing evidence suggest that they have
opposing effects on symptoms of distress (e.g. depression and anxiety) and HIV relevant health outcomes
(inflammation and HIV viral load). Specifically, THC is associated with mood altering and negative health
effects, while CBD does not alter mood and may have therapeutic properties. Therefore, whether quantifiable
biomarkers of THC and CBD in PLWH who use cannabis can provide clarification on the consequences of
cannabinoids in PLWH has not being determined. The proposed project will employ two approaches to
address this question including a secondary analysis of existing data from a cohort study and a pilot feasibility
study involving PLWH who use cannabis. Specifically, the proposed project aims to: 1) determine relationships
between measured concentrations of THC and CBD in urine with biomarkers of inflammation and HIV viral
load in PLWH, (2) investigate associations between measured concentrations of THC and CBD in urine with
symptoms of distress among PLWH and 3) To determine feasibility of and impact of a 28-day cannabis
abstinence based contingency management (CM) program on changes in symptoms of distress, inflammation
and HIV viral load. Completing the proposed project will provide an excellent pedestal for Dr. Okafor to
transition into an independent research career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9979835
- **Project number:** 5K01DA047912-02
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Chukwuemeka Nkemakonam Okafor
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $147,998
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9979835

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9979835, The impact of cannabinoids on inflammation, HIV viral load and symptoms of distress among persons living with HIV (5K01DA047912-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9979835. Licensed CC0.

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