Cannabis Use Research Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are studying how regular cannabis use impacts oral and nasal bacteria and brain health.
Fast Facts
Regular Cannabis User
Ages 18+
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Charleston, SC
Study Background
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are analyzing how regular cannabis use impacts oral and nasal bacteria and brain health both in individuals with HIV and without HIV.
Through examining HIV+ cannabis users, HIV- cannabis users, HIV+ non-cannabis users, and HIV- cannabis users, we hope to understand the impact of cannabis use on oral and nasal bacteria and brain health in populations with and without HIV. Our preliminary data indicates that regular cannabis users may have more oral bacteria than non-users.
As part of the study, participants will visit our Charleston, SC clinic to provide urine, blood, saliva, and nasal swab samples. In addition, participants will be asked to give information about their medical history, oral health, and cannabis use, and take a series of tests to measure their brain function.
Study Background
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are analyzing how regular cannabis use impacts oral and nasal bacteria and brain health both in individuals with HIV and without HIV.
Through examining HIV+ cannabis users, HIV- cannabis users, HIV+ non-cannabis users, and HIV- cannabis users, we hope to understand the impact of cannabis use on oral and nasal bacteria and brain health in populations with and without HIV. Our preliminary data indicates that regular cannabis users may have more oral bacteria than non-users.
As part of the study, participants will visit our Charleston, SC clinic to provide urine, blood, saliva, and nasal swab samples. In addition, participants will be asked to give information about their medical history, oral health, and cannabis use, and take a series of tests to measure their brain function.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand the impact of regular cannabis use on oral and nasal bacteria as well as brain health. We also want to understand whether this differs in individuals with HIV and without HIV.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Use cannabis regularly
- Willing to provide blood, urine, nasal swab, and saliva samples
Exclusion Criteria:
- Use more than the equivalent of 10mg of prednisone or any other corticosteroids per day
- Use of antibiotics and probiotics in the past 2 weeks (if you have used antibiotics or probiotics in the last two weeks, contact us after stopping them in two weeks)
- Current short-term infection (e.g., flu, strep throat)
- Pregnancy
- Psychotic or bipolar diagnosis
First, our team will confirm your medical history. If you have a MUSC medical record, we will review that to gather information on medications and confirm your HIV status. If you do not have a MUSC medical record, we will collect your medical history in the clinic. Then, you will both fill out an oral health questionnaire and provide information about your cannabis use history. We will also collect urine, blood, and saliva samples, as well as a nasal swab. In order to measure your brain function, our team will also have you undergo hearing, memory, visual, and motor coordination tests.
Participants can receive a $100 gift card as compensation for their time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
