6,000 people between the ages of 18 and 45 are needed for the Cannabis & Me study project.
An online survey, blood testing, and a VR experience make up the research.
The objective, according to Dr. Marta Di Forti, is to comprehend how cannabis medicine affects the brain.
You could get paid to participate in a ground-breaking research that has been initiated to examine the effects of cannabis on the human brain.
The Cannabis & Me project at King's College London is looking for 6,000 Londoners between the ages of 18 and 45 who either use weed regularly, have done so less than three times, or have never tried it.
In spite of the fact that more than 200 million individuals use cannabis every day globally, researchers will examine how the substance affects their brains. Understanding the science underlying the drug is "paramount," according to the researchers, given the growth in usage and potential legalisation of the substance in the future.
The study project is divided into two parts: a 40-minute online survey in which all participants will be entered to win prizes, and a face-to-face evaluation in which those chosen to complete it will be paid £50.
Related article: NHS trial to investigate if cannabis mouth spray can treat brain tumours One of the foremost experts on cannabis and psychosis and the study's principal investigator, Dr. Marta Di Forti, stated: "Many people use cannabis every day, both recreationally and for therapeutic purposes.
However, prescribing of medical cannabis is still uncommon in the UK. Our research seeks to offer information and resources that help boost medical professionals' confidence in prescribing cannabis safely in the UK and throughout the world when necessary.
Worldwide, cannabis is utilised for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. While some proponents claim it helps both, others report adverse consequences including a worsening in their mental health.
How do I participate in the Kings College study of cannabis on the brain?
By filling out this form for Kings College London and Cannabis & Me (CAMe)
Who is qualified to complete this UK cannabis study?
To participate, you must:
Be aged between 18 and 45.
Stay in London
Use cannabis now, have never used it, or have only ever used it three times or less.
proficiency in English
Be prepared to participate in the in-person evaluation
Be prepared to give a blood sample
Be open to participating in a virtual reality (VR) encounter.
Not be currently or previously diagnosed with a psychotic condition
Not being treated for psychotic illnesses right now
How is the study conducted?
The research will be divided into two sections:
An online survey that takes 40 minutes to complete and may be done on a computer, smartphone, or tablet
A subset of respondents to the survey will then get an invitation to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, located at King's College in Denmark Hill, London, where they will have the opportunity to interact with the research team and complete a face-to-face evaluation.
To further understand how cannabis affects users and how it may lead to paranoia, the study will combine DNA genetic and epigenetic testing with psychological and cognitive analysis, virtual reality, and other techniques.
Participants in the first phase of the research will fill out a 40-minute online survey on their experiences with the substance and the circumstances under which they use it, such as trauma, diseases, or social events.
The questionnaire also seeks to determine how variations in mood, anxiety, and how we feel and think, particularly in social contexts, affect cannabis usage.
A prize drawing for a chance to win a £100 Amazon gift card will be held for everyone who participates in the online survey.
A portion of people who responded to the survey will be contacted and invited to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College in Denmark Hill for a face-to-face evaluation.
A blood test, a virtual reality day-to-day scenario, and more in-depth questions make up this level.
Volunteers will be questioned in-depth on their life experiences, including adversity and trauma, as well as whether their cannabis use has changed since completing the online survey.
THC and CBD, two compounds present in the plant, will be measured in the blood test.
Endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced in the body and resemble those in the cannabis plant, will also be measured to see if there are any differences between users and non-users.
In order to determine how these changes with cannabis use change, the blood test will also provide information on gene structures and epigenetics, changes in how genes are expressed.
According to Dr. Di Forti's research, cigarette smokers experience epigenetic alterations. However, it is not yet known if cannabis users do.
The final component of the study will involve putting participants in a virtual reality scenario, such as at their neighbourhood grocery store, and asking them questions before and after to see how they react in social situations.
The same data will be gathered in a separate study from patients being treated for psychosis, which is thought to be caused by cannabis use.
The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, Denmark Hill, London will invite a subset of all participants who completed the online survey from the current cannabis users and the never/only once or twice groups to come in for a face-to-face interview with the research team.