Cannabis Use & Depression Research Study
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina are conducting a study to learn more about stress and withdrawal in cannabis users who are experiencing depression.
Fast Facts
Ages 18-45 & Use Cannabis 5+ Days Per Week
Diagnosed With or Experiencing Symptoms of Depression
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Charleston, SC
Study Background
Evaluating Contributors to Relapse in Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder
Through this study, we want to compare cannabis withdrawal symptoms, blood endocannabinoid levels, and stress response between cannabis users with and without depression.
This research study will last less than one week, during which participants will be asked to not use cannabis for 3 days. Participation will involve in-person visits to the MUSC campus, remote phone surveys, a stress test, blood draws, and saliva drug tests.
Help us learn more about stress responses and cannabis withdrawal by participating in this study!
Study Background
Evaluating Contributors to Relapse in Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder
Through this study, we want to compare cannabis withdrawal symptoms, blood endocannabinoid levels, and stress response between cannabis users with and without depression.
This research study will last less than one week, during which participants will be asked to not use cannabis for 3 days. Participation will involve in-person visits to the MUSC campus, remote phone surveys, a stress test, blood draws, and saliva drug tests.
Help us learn more about stress responses and cannabis withdrawal by participating in this study!
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to compare cannabis withdrawal symptoms, blood endocannabinoid levels, and stress response between cannabis users with and without depression.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-45
- Use cannabis 5+ days per week
- Diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of depression
- Not currently taking any medication for depression (e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilizers)
- No suicidal ideation
- BMI between 18-30 kg/m2 (no obesity)
- Own a smartphone
- If female, have a regular menstrual cycle and not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
- If female, willing to use non-hormonal birth control for the duration of the study
- Speak English
- No substance use disorder other than cannabis use disorder
The entire study will last approximately 6 days, and will involve 1 screening visit and 3 in-person visits to the MUSC campus.
Visit 1 must take place on a Friday, with Visit 2 taking place the following Monday, and Visit 3 taking place on Wednesday of that week.
Visits will begin at 8:30am and last about 4-6 hours. During these visits, participants can expect to complete blood draws, questionnaires, and a stress test during Visit 3. Participants will be asked to not use cannabis for 3 days, beginning the evening before Visit 2.
Additionally, participants will complete several phone surveys daily, and saliva drug tests twice daily during the non-use period.
As a participant, you can receive up to $720 for completing all study tasks.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
