Cannabis and Pain and Performance Study
Researchers at Rutgers University are conducting a study in adults who use medical cannabis for chronic pain to measure its effects on daily activities.
Fast Facts
Use Cannabis for Chronic Pain
45-70 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in NJ
Study Background
How does medical cannabis use for pain affect life’s daily activities?
With increasing state-level legalization of cannabis use, more people are using cannabis. We’re doing this study because there are mixed results on the effects of cannabis on health. There’s a need for more research on the topic.
In this study, we’re looking at the effects of cannabis on chronic pain and a daily activity: typing. We’re looking at typing because it’s a sensitive way to measure an activity in daily life. The study is not collecting the content of what is being typed (that is, we are NOT collecting private information like passwords). We are collecting information like typing speed and typing rhythm because each person’s typing is as unique as their fingerprint. Typing might be a way to help people recognize when symptoms are improving or getting worse that doesn’t require doing anything other than typing as usual on their computer.
If you are a New Jersey resident who meets all the criteria (see Additional Information), you may qualify to participate virtually or in-person. See if you’re eligible today!
Study Background
How does medical cannabis use for pain affect life’s daily activities?
With increasing state-level legalization of cannabis use, more people are using cannabis. We’re doing this study because there are mixed results on the effects of cannabis on health. There’s a need for more research on the topic.
In this study, we’re looking at the effects of cannabis on chronic pain and a daily activity: typing. We’re looking at typing because it’s a sensitive way to measure an activity in daily life. The study is not collecting the content of what is being typed (that is, we are NOT collecting private information like passwords). We are collecting information like typing speed and typing rhythm because each person’s typing is as unique as their fingerprint. Typing might be a way to help people recognize when symptoms are improving or getting worse that doesn’t require doing anything other than typing as usual on their computer.
If you are a New Jersey resident who meets all the criteria (see Additional Information), you may qualify to participate virtually or in-person. See if you’re eligible today!
Additional Information
The purpose of the study is to look at the effects of cannabis on chronic pain (specifically back or neck pain) and a daily activity such as typing on one’s personal computer.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 45-70 years old
- Use cannabis 2-3 times per week, primarily for the treatment of back or neck pain
- Regularly type on a Windows laptop
- Primary route of cannabis administration is smoke or vape
- No substance use disorders including cannabis or alcohol
- If female, not pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future
- Not currently in treatment for substance use
- No psychosis
This study can be conducted virtually.
If you are determined to be eligible after completing screening, study staff will contact you to confirm your interest in study participation and eligibility.
If you are interested and eligible, you will be asked to provide informed consent (electronic consent) for study participation.
After providing informed consent, study staff will send you a link to complete the Baseline survey, which includes questionnaires, computer tasks, and installation of an app to complete daily phone surveys and collect typing (keystroke) data on your Windows computer. Study staff will train you in completing the phone surveys (done 3 times per day and also when starting to use cannabis and 90 min later). After the 30-days of daily data collection, there is a 20-minute interview to obtain feedback on how to improve the study.
As a participant, you can receive up to $260 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
