Cannabis Use Research Study
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are conducting a study to understand the effect of cannabis use on metabolic and appetite hormones.
Fast Facts
Ages 18-45
Use Cannabis at Least Twice a Week
Receive $200 Gift Card
Conducted in Denver, CO
Study Background
CUAnschutz is seeking individuals with a healthy body weight who use cannabis at least twice a week.
Findings from this research study will determine how cannabis use affects appetite, caloric intake, BMI, and metabolic hormones.
Participants will complete questionnaires and participate in a meal challenge. The meal challenge involves collection of blood to estimate hormone levels. Participants will have their initial blood draw, which is followed by consuming a standardized nutritional shake.
Participants will then have their blood drawn every 30 minutes across three hours. We will also collect data on participant’s hunger, appetite, satiety, and thirst at each blood draw.
Join our study!
Study Background
CUAnschutz is seeking individuals with a healthy body weight who use cannabis at least twice a week.
Findings from this research study will determine how cannabis use affects appetite, caloric intake, BMI, and metabolic hormones.
Participants will complete questionnaires and participate in a meal challenge. The meal challenge involves collection of blood to estimate hormone levels. Participants will have their initial blood draw, which is followed by consuming a standardized nutritional shake.
Participants will then have their blood drawn every 30 minutes across three hours. We will also collect data on participant’s hunger, appetite, satiety, and thirst at each blood draw.
Join our study!
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to examine changes in appetitive and metabolic hormones during a meal challenge among adults who are actively using cannabis compared to adults who do not currently use cannabis.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-45
- Use cannabis at least 2x a week
- No history of medical conditions affecting weight and energy metabolism (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, untreated thyroid disease, renal disease, hepatic disease)
- Have not taken medications that affect weight, energy, or energy expenditure in the last 6 months (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, or diabetes medication)
- Health body weight (BMI < 25)
- If female: not pregnant, lactating, or less than 6 months postpartum
- No history of bariatric surgery
- No schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- No anorexia or bulimia
- Not on a strict diet such as veganism
Participants will come to the office to complete questionnaires and participate in a meal challenge. The meal challenge involves collection of blood to estimate hormone levels. Participants will have their initial blood draw, which is followed by consuming a standardized nutritional shake. Participants will have their blood drawn every 30 minutes across three hours for an additional 6 times post-meal. We will also collect data on participant’s hunger, appetite, satiety, and thirst at each blood draw. Participants will complete questionnaires on mental health, appetite, diet, exercise, and substance use history. We will also collect data on heart rate, blood pressure, and height/weight. This study involves 1 visit which will last between 3-4 hours.
Participants will receive up to $200 in gift cards for their participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
