Smoking Research Study
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are testing the effectiveness of psilocybin as a treatment to help people quit smoking tobacco.
Fast Facts
Daily Cigarette Smoker Whose Primary Source of Nicotine Is Cigarettes or Combustible Cigarettes
Ages 21+
Desire To Quit Smoking
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; and Manhattan (NYC)
Study Background
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are testing psilocybin for quitting tobacco smoking.
In this study, we will test psilocybin against an active comparison substance, niacin, in order to determine the effectiveness of psilocybin.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or niacin treatment, and we will monitor and compare the quit-smoking rates for each group. Our study will be carried out across three sites: Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; and Manhattan (NYC).
In the long term, we hope that this research will help us establish psilocybin as an effective intervention for individuals who want to quit smoking tobacco.
Study Background
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are testing psilocybin for tobacco smoking cessation.
In this study, we will test psilocybin against an active comparison substance, niacin, in order to determine the effectiveness of psilocybin.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or niacin treatment, and we will monitor and compare the quit-smoking rates for each group. Our study will be carried out across three sites: Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; and Manhattan (NYC).
In the long term, we hope that this research will help us establish psilocybin as an effective intervention for individuals who want to quit smoking tobacco.
Additional Information
Through this research, we aim to gauge the effectiveness of psilocybin as a quitting smoking treatment. By comparing it with an active comparison substance, niacin, we hope to understand whether psilocybin has the potential to be a better option for individuals who want to quit smoking cigarettes.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 21+
- Daily cigarette smoker whose primary source of nicotine is cigarettes or combustible cigarettes (as opposed to e-cigarettes or other types)
- Desire to quit smoking
- Speak English
- Generally healthy
Exclusion Criteria:
- If female, pregnant or breastfeeding
- Illicit drug use (other than cannabis)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Taking antidepressants or antipsychotics
- Currently using medications to stop smoking (e.g., patch, gum)
- Neurological illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer’s, seizure disorder, dementia)
- Have been diagnosed with any significant psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
- Suicidal ideation
- Weigh less than 110 pounds
This study involves a total of 14 visits (including the screening) over the course of 12 months. Most of these will take place in person at one of the sites (Baltimore, Birmingham, or Manhattan), although some may be completed online. Participants can expect the majority of visits to take around 1-2 hours; however, the 2 psilocybin or niacin administrations will each take between 7 and 10 hours, starting in the early morning and ending in the late afternoon or early evening.
Participants will receive $50 for each study visit, including screening and laboratory sessions. If they complete the study, they will earn an additional $50 bonus per study visit (excluding screening sessions), for a total of up to $1,300.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
