Cannabis Use Research Study
Researchers at UC San Francisco are conducting a study on cannabis use and cognitive performance for adults aged 21–25 in the Bay Area.
Fast Facts
Use high-potency cannabis regularly
21-25
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
San Francisco, CA
Study Background
Understanding the Impact of High-Potency Cannabis on Young Adults
Cannabis products with high THC concentrations—like dabs, carts, and concentrates—are increasingly popular among young adults. While these products are widely available through regulated retail stores, their long-term effects on brain function and cognitive performance remain unclear. UC San Francisco is launching a research study to explore how reducing THC potency may influence memory, attention, and decision-making in frequent users aged 21–25.
Participants will be asked to switch to lower-potency cannabis products for five weeks while completing cognitive tests, surveys, and providing biological samples. By analyzing changes in performance and THC levels, researchers aim to learn whether cannabis users who switch to less potent products demonstrate improved mental performance compared to baseline. The study will also examine how the body processes THC through blood and urine tests, providing insight into how high-potency cannabis interacts with the mind and body over time.
Study Background
Understanding the Impact of High-Potency Cannabis on Young Adults
Cannabis products with high THC concentrations—like dabs, carts, and concentrates—are increasingly popular among young adults. While these products are widely available through regulated retail stores, their long-term effects on brain function and cognitive performance remain unclear. UC San Francisco is launching a research study to explore how reducing THC potency may influence memory, attention, and decision-making in frequent users aged 21–25.
Participants will be asked to switch to lower-potency cannabis products for five weeks while completing cognitive tests, surveys, and providing biological samples. By analyzing changes in performance and THC levels. The main purpose of this study is to learn whether cannabis users who switch to less potent THC products demonstrate improved mental performance compared to baseline. Researchers will also study how the body processes THC using blood and urine tests, providing insight into how high-potency cannabis interacts with the mind and body over time.
Additional Information
This study aims to understand whether switching from high-potency cannabis to lower-potency products improves mental performance in young adults. Researchers also want to learn how the body processes THC using blood and urine samples.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
Adults age 21–25
Live in the San Francisco Bay Area
Use high-potency cannabis (e.g., dabs, carts, concentrates) at least 6 days per week
Purchase cannabis exclusively from regulated retail stores
Be willing to switch to lower-potency THC products during the study
Be available for five weeks of study participation, including in-person visits and surveys
Exclusion Criteria
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Regularly use other drugs, excluding nicotine
Here’s how it works:
Week 1: You’ll visit UCSF for an in-person intake session that includes cognitive testing, blood and urine collection, and a set of online surveys.
Weeks 2–4: Each week, you’ll provide a urine sample at our campus. You will complete a brief online survey from home.
Week 5: You’ll return for a final in-person visit for another round of cognitive testing and urine collection. You will complete a brief online survey at home.
During the study: You’ll be randomly placed into different THC potency reduction groups and asked to purchase your own cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
Yes! Participants can earn up to $705 for completing all study activities. Compensation includes payments for visits, surveys, and bonuses for reducing THC levels.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.