Alcohol & Cannabis Use Research Study
Researchers at Colorado State University are conducting a study to understand how alcohol, cannabis, and their combined use affect brain activity, thinking, and physical coordination in adults who regularly use both substances.
Fast Facts
Heavy Alcohol Drinker & Regular Cannabis User
21-50
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $180
Conducted in
Fort Collins, CO
Study Background
Researchers are studying how alcohol and cannabis, used alone or together, affect the brain, body, and behavior.
Alcohol and cannabis are commonly used substances, and many adults report using them together. However, scientists still have limited information about how co-using these substances affects brain activity, thinking ability, and physical coordination compared to using each substance separately. Understanding these effects may help researchers better identify signs of intoxication and improve scientific knowledge about substance use.
In this study, researchers will measure brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) along with several objective measures of intoxication. Participants will complete a single study session in a mobile research laboratory parked outside their residence. During the session, participants may use alcohol, cannabis, or both, depending on the group they are randomly assigned to.
Study Background
Researchers are studying how alcohol and cannabis, used alone or together, affect the brain, body, and behavior.
Alcohol and cannabis are commonly used substances, and many adults report using them together. However, scientists still have limited information about how co-using these substances affects brain activity, thinking ability, and physical coordination compared to using each substance separately. Understanding these effects may help researchers better identify signs of intoxication and improve scientific knowledge about substance use.
In this study, researchers will measure brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) along with several objective measures of intoxication. Participants will complete a single study session in a mobile research laboratory parked outside their residence. During the session, participants may use alcohol, cannabis, or both, depending on the group they are randomly assigned to.
Additional Information
This study aims to understand how alcohol, cannabis, and their combined use affect brain activity, thinking ability, and physical coordination. Researchers are exploring whether brain activity patterns and other objective measures can help distinguish different types of intoxication.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 21-50
- Heavy alcohol drinker
- Regular use of cannabis (at least 2x/week in past 3 months)
- Speak English
- Consume more than 4 drinks/day or more than 14 drinks/week for men, or more than 3 drinks/day or more than 7 drinks/week for women
Exclusion Criteria:
- A daily tobacco user
- Diagnosis of substance use disorder
- If female: pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant
- Major psychiatric condition including schizophrenia, bipolar, or depression
- Use of psychotropic medications except antidepressants
- Illegal drug use in past 60 days
- Major medical conditions contraindicating alcohol or cannabis consumptions
Participants will complete one 5.5-hour study visit in a mobile laboratory parked outside their residence.
During the study visit:
Consent and screening
Review and sign informed consent
Urine drug and pregnancy testing
Breath alcohol test
Questionnaires about substance use and psychological health
Sober baseline assessment
Brain activity measured using EEG
Blood sample
Cognitive and coordination assessments
Substance use procedure
Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups:
Alcohol only
Cannabis only
Alcohol and cannabis combined
If assigned to a cannabis condition, participants will use their own flower cannabis product in their residence while connected to researchers via Zoom.
If assigned to alcohol, participants will consume a standardized alcoholic beverage designed to reach approximately 0.06 BAC.
Post-use assessments
Blood samples
Breath alcohol measurements (if alcohol was consumed)
EEG recordings
Cognitive and coordination tasks
These measurements will occur approximately 1, 2, and 4 hours after use.
All study procedures take place in the mobile research laboratory parked outside the participant’s home.
Participants who complete the study visit will receive $180 in cash at the end of the session.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.