Remote Cigarette & Cannabis Use Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are conducting a study on varenicline (Chantix) for adults who use both cigarettes and cannabis and are interested in quitting cigarettes and cutting back their cannabis use.
Fast Facts
Adults Who Smoke 5+ Cigarettes Daily & Use Cannabis Regularly
Interested in Quitting Cigarettes & Reducing or Quitting Cannabis
Compensation Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
This study is exploring whether a medication approved for quitting cigarettes can also help people reduce cannabis use.
Many adults use both cigarettes and cannabis, but there are limited treatment options that address both together. Researchers at MUSC are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate how effective varenicline (also known as Chantix) is in helping people quit smoking and reduce cannabis use. While varenicline is FDA-approved for cigarette cessation, its impact on cannabis use when taken during a quit attempt has not been studied as closely. This study will also look at how tobacco and cannabis use interact when someone tries to quit smoking.
Participants will receive either varenicline or a placebo for 12 weeks, along with counseling and access to online treatment modules. The entire study takes place remotely—no in-person visits are required—and spans approximately 6 months with a total of 17 study visits, all conducted online.
Study Background
This study is exploring whether a medication approved for quitting cigarettes can also help people reduce cannabis use.
Many adults use both cigarettes and cannabis, but there are limited treatment options that address both together. Researchers at MUSC are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate how effective varenicline (also known as Chantix) is in helping people quit smoking and reduce cannabis use. While varenicline is FDA-approved for cigarette cessation, its impact on cannabis use when taken during a quit attempt has not been studied as closely. This study will also look at how tobacco and cannabis use interact when someone tries to quit smoking.
Participants will receive either varenicline or a placebo for 12 weeks, along with counseling and access to online treatment modules. The entire study takes place remotely—no in-person visits are required—and spans approximately 6 months with a total of 17 study visits, all conducted online.
Additional Information
The study aims to understand how varenicline, a medication approved to help people stop smoking, affects both cigarette and cannabis use. Researchers are especially interested in how tobacco and cannabis interact during a quit attempt and whether treating both together leads to better outcomes.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Live in South Carolina
- Smoke 5+ cigarettes daily and use cannabis regularly
- Interested in quitting cigarettes AND reducing or quitting cannabis use
- Do not regularly use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products
- Not receiving smoking cessation treatments (such as patches or gum)
- Must be willing to take a study pill (varenicline or placebo) for 12 weeks
- No significant or unstable medical, psychiatric, or substance use problem that would interfere with study results
- Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future
- Ages 18+
If you’re eligible and choose to participate, you’ll be randomly assigned to receive either varenicline or a placebo for 12 weeks. You’ll also receive counseling and access to online treatment tools to help with quitting cigarettes and reducing cannabis use. All study activities will be done online, with no in-person visits.
Yes! You can receive up to $944 in compensation for your time. In addition to financial compensation, participants receive:
Free study medication (or placebo)
Access to online counseling and treatment modules
Support for quitting cigarettes and reducing cannabis use—all from the comfort of home
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.