Cannabis Researcher Awarded Grant to Study Effects on Aging Brain in People With HIV

The project is led by Dr. Biju Bhargavan, a faculty member in the Department of Anesthesiology with a background in neurovirology. It marks his first independently funded study, a milestone he called both validating and crucial to his career development. Dr. Bhargavan is focusing on whether long-term marijuana use, often adopted by people living with HIV to manage pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, could accelerate central nervous system aging. While some studies suggest cannabis may reduce inflammation or protect brain function, others point to risks such as cognitive impairment. His team will test the idea that cannabinoids may speed up cerebrovascular aging, particularly when exposure is prolonged to THC- or CBD-dominant products.

Animal models will be used to study how cannabinoids affect neuroinflammation, stress, and cellular aging—key factors in brain decline. The goal is to clarify the biological mechanisms behind cannabis’ mixed effects in the context of HIV and provide data to guide harm reduction and clinical decision-making.

“This work could help doctors and patients better understand whether marijuana use is beneficial or harmful in the long run,” Dr. Bhargavan said.

He also noted the challenges posed by strict federal restrictions on cannabis research. His team is working with compliance offices to secure necessary licenses, with the hope of expanding the project through future NIH funding.

The Lieberman Award, he added, provides early-career scientists with critical seed money to take risks and develop proof-of-concept data. He credited his mentor, Dr. Georgette Kanmogne, with helping shape the successful proposal.

“Pilot funding is the first spark that allows new ideas to grow,” Dr. Bhargavan said. “It makes it possible to pursue research that can lead to meaningful scientific and clinical advances.”