Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Washington has received a $699,748 Project Grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs (CFDA 93.279), effective February 15, 2026 through November 30, 2030. This research project delivers comprehensive longitudinal neurodevelopmental assessment services examining the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on infant brain development and growth trajectories during the critical first 18 months of life. The research employs prospectively validated cannabis use measurement during pregnancy combined with multi-modal neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging, myelin imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and structural MRI) at neonatal baseline (2-4 weeks of age) and at 6 and 18 months post-birth, alongside extensive neuropsychological follow-up assessments. The study addresses a significant gap in contemporary substance use research by focusing on modern cannabis strains—approximately 10 times more potent than those studied in prior research—and by isolating cannabis-specific outcomes from confounding polysubstance use effects.

The project specifically investigates dysregulated brain development patterns and sex-based differences in neurotoxic outcomes, with the objective of clarifying health risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure to inform public health decision-making. By characterizing cannabis-induced changes during periods of rapid synaptogenesis, axonal growth, and myelination, this research contributes foundational knowledge to NIDA's mission of supporting basic and translational investigations into substance use and addiction outcomes and their prevention.