Connectivity While Coming of Age
Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine are conducting a longitudinal MRI study in young men who use cannabis to look at short-term changes in the brain related to cannabis use.
Fast Facts
Men 18-25 Years Old
Use Marijuana Regularly
Compensation Provided
Conducted in New Haven, CT
Study Background
We are conducting a research study designed to look at short-term changes in brain connectivity during late adolescence, and to see how substance use may impact these changes.
Cannabis use usually peaks in late adolescence/emerging adulthood, when your brain is still developing. For some people, cannabis use during this time leads to problematic use later in life. However, we don’t yet know enough about this association to predict who will be at risk.
In this research study, we aim to learn more about how cannabis use is related to short-term changes in the brain. We’ll gather data from the brains of young adult cannabis users using 4 MRI scans over 6 months. If you are an 18 to 25-year-old man who uses cannabis regularly, you could be a good fit for the study.
Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for predicting risk for problematic cannabis use, which could lead to new prevention and intervention strategies for people at higher risk.
Study Background
We are conducting a research study designed to look at short-term changes in brain connectivity during late adolescence, and to see how substance use may impact these changes.
Cannabis use usually peaks in late adolescence/emerging adulthood, when your brain is still developing. For some people, cannabis use during this time leads to problematic use later in life. However, we don’t yet know enough about this association to predict who will be at risk.
In this research study, we aim to learn more about how cannabis use is related to short-term changes in the brain. We’ll gather data from the brains of young adult cannabis users using 4 MRI scans over 6 months. If you are an 18 to 25-year-old man who uses cannabis regularly, you could be a good fit for the study.
Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for predicting risk for problematic cannabis use, which could lead to new prevention and intervention strategies for people at higher risk.
Additional Information
The aim of the study is to learn more about neural mechanisms of risk for problematic cannabis use to inform the development of novel prevention and intervention approaches.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Men ages 18-25
- Use marijuana regularly
- Plan to remain in greater New Haven area for 6-month study period
- Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal in your body or claustrophobia)
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to come in for a screening session to see if you are eligible to participate, which will include a one-on-one interview and self-report questionnaires about your medical and psychiatric history, as well as substance use and other aspects of your life. This will take about 3 hours to complete. If you are eligible, we can schedule your MRI appointments at this time.
You will then be asked to complete 4 MRI visits over the course of 6 months. During each of these visits you will complete a 60-minute fMRI scan, and total time for each MRI session will be about 1.5 hours.
In addition to your MRI visits, we will also ask you to complete a few brief questions about your substance use each day, and we will send you a text message each morning with a link to complete these questions. We will also ask you to complete a set of assessments 3- and 6-months into your study participation, which can either be completed remotely or while you are here for one of your MRI visits. We may also ask you to provide a hair sample 3- and 6-months into your study participation.
As a participant, you can receive up to $708 for completing the entire study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
