DOGE cancels $699K OSU research grant examining cannabis use in LGBTQ+ women
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio State professor's federal research grant worth nearly $700,000 was cancelled by DOGE on March 11, a university spokesperson confirmed.
Dr. Christina Dyar's research study on the link between cannabis use disorder and LGBTQ+ women received a $699,000 federal grant in 2024. This month, the Elon Musk-led DOGE cancelled Dyar's grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH). See previous coverage of federal grant pause impacts in central Ohio in the video player above.
According to the CDC, cannabis use disorder occurs when people are unable to stop using cannabis even when it is causing problems in their health or social interactions. The NIH and National Institute on Drug Abuse both fund research into cannabis use disorder, especially as marijuana use becomes more common among Americans.
Bill would require adult websites to confirm age of Ohio users
Dyar's project examined how lesbian, bisexual and queer women, and gender diverse people assigned female at birth are at higher risk for cannabis use disorder when compared to heterosexual women. According to the project details, the study would have benefited public health because little is known about cannabis use disorder, and the study would have investigated risk factors.
Dyar was awarded the $699,139 grant on April 25, 2024. She received her first round of funding for the project in 2023, totaling $715,244. She has also published two journal articles on her research so far this year, both examining the effects of cannabis use.
Dyar is also working on a study examining depression and suicidal ideations among bisexual adolescents and young adults, according to the NIH, which received $815,881 this year.
An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed the grant was cancelled but did not provide additional comments.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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