Cannabis Nexus Initiative: Cannabis and Heart Rate Variability Study in HBCU Students

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Project Summary Given the shifts in social perceptions and legalization efforts relating to cannabis use, it is imperative to determine the complex interplay between cannabis use and cardiovascular health. Researchers have identified an association between cannabis use and cardiovascular events, but no study exists measuring associations between cannabis use frequency and autonomic health in young adults. In addition to addressing this gap in the literature, the current project will look to assess this association in African Americans at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). In this burgeoning literature, no study has examined the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) in a sample with more than 15% African Americans, with no published study examining students at a HBCU. The two aims presented in this proposal focus on the cannabis use frequency/quantity and determine differences heart rate variability (HRV) between those with CUD and non-substance use disorder students at Virginia State University, a HBCU in central Virginia. For Specific Aim 1, we plan to use the Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset and Quantity of Cannabis Use Inventory, in addition to Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to determine cannabis use and CUD prevalence. We plan to use a Heart Rhythm Scanner to determine HRV at baseline. In Specific Aim 2, we utilize the Zio Patch to determine differences in 24 hour HRV between those with and without CUD. If awarded, these two specific aims will allow: 1) funding for 5 undergraduate students to participate in biomedical research, 2) give the opportunity for underrepresented students to generate data for conferences and manuscripts 3) directly influence substance use policy at VSU by providing empirically supported inferences on substance use to the Substance Abuse Task Force 4) provide pilot data for future NIH proposals for investigators and their students and 5) inspire other undergraduate students to participate in research via lab workshops and various grant related activities.