Cannabis Use Research Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are conducting a clinical research study to better understand how cannabis use affects brain function in adults.
Fast Facts
Use cannabis 4+ days per week
21-45
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $538
Conducted in
Charleston, SC
Study Background
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are conducting studies in adults who regularly use cannabis to understand how THC affects brain function and behavior.
Cannabis use disorder and differences in reward processing may be associated with changes in brain systems involved in motivation, pleasure, and decision-making. These brain processes play an important role in how individuals respond to rewarding experiences and may function differently in people who regularly use cannabis.
The goal of this study is to better understand how acute THC affects brain function and behavior in adults who regularly use cannabis, including potential differences between men and women. By examining brain activity and behavioral responses during controlled laboratory visits, this research aims to improve understanding of the neural mechanisms associated with cannabis use disorder.
Findings from this study may help inform future clinical research and contribute to the development of more targeted and effective treatment approaches, ultimately supporting improved outcomes for individuals affected by cannabis use disorder.
Study Background
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are conducting studies in adults who regularly use cannabis to understand how THC affects brain function and behavior.
Cannabis use disorder and differences in reward processing may be associated with changes in brain systems involved in motivation, pleasure, and decision-making. These brain processes play an important role in how individuals respond to rewarding experiences and may function differently in people who regularly use cannabis.
The goal of this study is to better understand how acute THC affects brain function and behavior in adults who regularly use cannabis, including potential differences between men and women. By examining brain activity and behavioral responses during controlled laboratory visits, this research aims to improve understanding of the neural mechanisms associated with cannabis use disorder.
Findings from this study may help inform future clinical research and contribute to the development of more targeted and effective treatment approaches, ultimately supporting improved outcomes for individuals affected by cannabis use disorder.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are examining how regular cannabis use affects brain function and reward processing in adults. The goal is to understand how acute THC influences brain activity and behavior, including potential differences between men and women. The study measures brain responses during laboratory tasks, behavioral performance, and questionnaire data collected during in-person visits. By using controlled administration of THC or a placebo in a research setting, this study aims to improve understanding of the neural and behavioral effects of cannabis use. Findings from this research may help inform future clinical research and contribute to the development of more effective approaches for supporting individuals with cannabis use disorder.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 21–45
- Use cannabis 4 or more days per week
- Must meet criteria for cannabis use disorder
- Able to complete a 1.5-hour MRI scan (no metal in the body, not claustrophobic)
- BMI between 18–30 kg/m²
- For females: regular menstrual cycle and willing to use non-hormonal birth control
Exclusion Criteria:
- Lifetime history of psychotic or bipolar disorder
- Current treatment for cannabis use disorder or other substance use disorders
- Use of substances other than cannabis (per screening)
- History of nausea or vomiting when using cannabis, current use of certain medications, current psychiatric disorder
- MRI contraindications (e.g., metallic implants, claustrophobia)
- History of cardiac or seizure disorders
- Allergy to sesame oil
- Females who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
The study involves three in-person visits conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina.
In the lab:
- Participants will complete three in-person study visits.
- The first visit is used to determine eligibility for the study.
- The two remaining visits each last approximately 7 hours and take place at least two days apart.
- During these visits, participants will complete:
- Questionnaires
- Computer-based tasks
- Behavioral assessments
- A 1.5-hour MRI scan
- During the two longer visits, participants will receive controlled administration of either THC or a placebo in a research setting.
Participants will be compensated $30 for completion of the screening visit and $150 for each completed dosing session. Participants will receive up to $104 per dosing session based on responses to the Monetary Incentive Delay Task,but all participants will receive payment for completing the task, regardless of performance. Total possible compensation for the study is $538. Participants will receive payments at each study visit via ClinCard.
Participants will also be provided with an Uber or taxi to and from the 7-hour in-person study visits.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.