His research interests include the effects of various diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and abuse of drugs and alcohol on the brain and behavior, as well as the psychobiological effects of chronic stress on the elderly. As Director for the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR), he is also interested in the possible benefits and limitations of cannabis as a medicine. He is recipient of awards for excellence in teaching and his contributions to neuropsychology.
A major theme of Dr. Grant’s research concerns the effects of systemic and neurological diseases, as well as substance abuse, on brain function and structure. His current research focus is on the effects of HIV on the brain and the potential that abuse of certain drugs, such as methamphetamine, in combination with aging, produce accelerated CNS injury. His work is supported by multiple NIH awards, including a P50 Center from NIDA entitled, the Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center (TMARC). His other major studies include the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) study, the California NeuroAIDS Tissue Network, a project in St. Petersburg Russia on the effects of opioid withdrawal on HIV controls. He is also Co-Director of the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center and Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research. His past work on brain and behavior has included long-term outcome studies with alcoholics, persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with hypoxia, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury.