Depression & Cannabis Use Research Study
Researchers at MUSC are investigating how depression interacts with cannabis use in adults 18-45. Join our paid study today!
Conducted in Charleston, SC
Compensation Provided
18 - 45 Years Old
Use Cannabis Regularly
Fast Facts
Currently Depressed
Study Background
Our researchers want to understand the interactions between cannabis use and depression.
This study compares how cannabis withdrawal symptoms, blood endocannabinoid levels, and stress response during a short abstinence period differ between individuals who use cannabis with and without Major Depressive Disorder. Help further research and join our compensated study today!
This study compares how cannabis withdrawal symptoms, blood endocannabinoid levels, and stress response during a short abstinence period differ between individuals who use cannabis with and without Major Depressive Disorder. Help further research and join our compensated study today!
Study Background Our researchers want to understand the interactions between cannabis use and depression. This study compares how cannabis withdrawal symptoms, blood endocannabinoid levels, and stress response during a short abstinence period differ between individuals who use cannabis with and without Major Depressive Disorder. Help further research and join our compensated study today! |
Additional Information
The main purpose of this study is to determine how depression affects an individual's physical response to pausing cannabis use.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-45
- BMI between 18-30
- English proficiency
- Access to a mobile phone
- Regular menstrual cycle (if female)
- Willing to use non-hormonal birth control during study participation (if female)
- In the last 30 days, used cannabis at least 5 days/week on average
- Current major depressive episode
- Certain psychiatric disorders
- Some medications (determined by the researcher) that may interfere with study outcomes
- Recent drug use other than cannabis
- Anemia or other blood or clotting-related disorders
- High blood pressure
- Currently seeking treatment for substance use
- Pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Suicidal behavior or suicidal ideation with intent in the past 6 months
- Severe depression
The study involves 1 screening visit and 3 in-person laboratory visits over the course of one week. You will complete phone surveys multiple times daily asking about your mood and withdrawal symptoms. Blood is drawn multiple times at the laboratory visits to assess endocannabinoid levels. The third laboratory day includes a stress test in order to examine stress response.
Participants are asked to not use cannabis for 3 days, starting the evening before the second visit. Participants will complete saliva drug tests twice daily during this period to ensure abstinence.
Laboratory visits begin at 8:30am, last 4-6 hours, and are in-person at the MUSC campus in downtown Charleston. Visit 1 will take place on a Friday, Visit 2 the following Monday, and then Visit 3 on Wednesday of that week.
Participants are asked to not use cannabis for 3 days, starting the evening before the second visit. Participants will complete saliva drug tests twice daily during this period to ensure abstinence.
Laboratory visits begin at 8:30am, last 4-6 hours, and are in-person at the MUSC campus in downtown Charleston. Visit 1 will take place on a Friday, Visit 2 the following Monday, and then Visit 3 on Wednesday of that week.
Compensation of up to $720 is provided for participation.
There is no cost to you for participating in the study.