Australia has one of the highest cannabis use prevalence rates in the world and socio-political discussions rage about the legalisation of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. The cannabis plant typically used recreationally consists of a number of cannabinoids (e.g. delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD)) that are present in different ratios, and may have differing effects on general mental health, and wellbeing, in regular long-term cannabis smokers. However, there is a lack of evidence as to how the different levels of cannabinoids in the plant that cannabis consumers smoke might affect their cognitive function and mental health. The current gaps in knowledge raise significant ethical issues for health care providers seeking evidence-based recommendations.
This study will be the first naturalistic human examination of the links between prolonged exposure to various compounds within cannabis, brain health, and associated cognitive and psychological factors.
This study is currently recruiting two groups of participants – (1) regular cannabis smokers, and (2) non-using controls, from the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Participants are expected to commit to 3 time points of interviews spread across 4 months (total commitment of 7 hours) and will be reimbursed for their time. Cannabis consumers will also be asked to provide a sample of their typical cannabis for analysis. They will be provided with a breakdown of its cannabinoid profile.
To participate, follow this link.
For any questions, feel free to contact our research team at:
Phone: 0414 202 371
Email: cannabis.study@monash.edu
This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC): Project Number: 13390