OHSU Gets $6.7M to Study Cannabis Effects on HIV+ Pregnant Women

Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) has secured a substantial $6.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct groundbreaking research on how cannabis use during pregnancy affects women living with HIV. This significant federal investment will enable scientists to examine the complex interactions between marijuana consumption, pregnancy outcomes, and HIV management in a population that has received limited research attention despite the growing legalization of cannabis across the United States. The study represents a crucial step toward understanding potential health implications for both mothers and their developing babies in this specific demographic.

The research findings will be particularly relevant to cannabis industry stakeholders, including companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. that operate in the rapidly expanding legal cannabis market. As more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana, understanding the health impacts on vulnerable populations becomes increasingly important for both public health policy and industry regulation. The study's outcomes could influence future product labeling, medical guidelines, and regulatory frameworks governing cannabis sales and consumption, especially for pregnant individuals managing chronic conditions like HIV.

This investigation comes at a critical time as cannabis use becomes more mainstream, yet comprehensive research on its effects during pregnancy remains limited. The OHSU team's work will contribute valuable data to healthcare providers, policymakers, and the cannabis industry, helping to inform evidence-based recommendations for women living with HIV who may be considering or currently using cannabis products during their pregnancies. The research underscores the ongoing need for scientific investigation into cannabis's health impacts as legal access expands across the country.