Participant Recruitment Begins for New UK Study on Cannabis Effects
A new official study in England, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to uncover why people respond differently to cannabis. Researchers note that with over 200 million people using cannabis daily worldwide, there is a growing need to understand what cannabis truly does to our minds and bodies.
While many people use cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, some report negative effects on their mental health. The study seeks to identify which factors might cause these differences in response. Specifically, researchers want to determine if there are biological factors that make some individuals more susceptible to developing psychosis from cannabis use.
Who Can Participate?
The “Cannabis and Me” study is looking for two groups of participants. All participants must be over 18 years old, live in the London area, speak English fluently, and be willing to take part in the in-person phase of the study. This phase will include providing a blood sample and participating in a virtual reality session.
Researchers are also interested in recruiting people who have never used cannabis or have tried it fewer than three times in their lives.
How to Get Involved
The first step to participating is to complete an online survey, which researchers estimate will take about 40 minutes. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for a £100 Amazon gift voucher.
All surveys are used to select individuals for the in-person stage of the study. Those chosen will undergo a variety of tests and experiments to help researchers gather the necessary data.