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Brain Changes and Cannabis Use Study

  • Study HIC#:2000032181
  • Last Updated:11/03/2025

Brain Changes and Cannabis Use Study

Adult participants needed aged 18 to 75 who use cannabis/ marijuana for a brain imaging study to determine whether brain imaging changes in individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUDs) or if there is improvement with at least 4 weeks of confirmed abstinence from cannabis, in comparison to healthy controls (HCs). Study compensation up to $5,075.

  • Eligibility criteria:

Ages: 18 to 75

Study involves: Screening visit, brain imaging sessions, at least 4 weeks of abstinence from cannabis

Pays up to: $5,075

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Daily cannabis users (at least 30 times per month, with a 2+ year history and 1000+ lifetime uses).
  • Must test positive for cannabis (and negative for other drugs).
  • Diagnosed with moderate or greater Cannabis Use Disorder (DSM-5).
  • Cannabis must be the primary drug of choice.
  • Willing to set a quit date during screening.
  • Generally healthy, with no unstable medical conditions.
  • No major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
  • Not taking medications that affect brain chemistry related to the study.
  • Limited other drug use in the past 3 months.
  • Must agree to use birth control (if applicable).
  • Willing and able to follow study procedures.

The Study Team contact name, telephone number, and email: Coordinator Shannon Zeilman, phone: 203-626-1105, email: yalecannabisresearch@yale.edu

Study Sponsor: NIH

HIC number: HIC #2000032181


  • Age18 years - 75 years
  • GenderBoth

Contact Us

For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:

Kimberlee Forselius-Bielen

Help Us Discover!

You can help our team find trials you might be eligible for by creating a volunteer profile in MyChart. To get started, create a volunteer profile, or contact helpusdiscover@yale.edu, or call +18779788343 for more information.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria:

Ages: 18 to 75

Study involves: Screening visit, brain imaging sessions, at least 4 weeks of abstinence from cannabis

Pays up to: $5,075

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Daily cannabis users (at least 30 times per month, with a 2+ year history and 1000+ lifetime uses).
  • Must test positive for cannabis (and negative for other drugs).
  • Diagnosed with moderate or greater Cannabis Use Disorder (DSM-5).
  • Cannabis must be the primary drug of choice.
  • Willing to set a quit date during screening.
  • Generally healthy, with no unstable medical conditions.
  • No major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
  • Not taking medications that affect brain chemistry related to the study.
  • Limited other drug use in the past 3 months.
  • Must agree to use birth control (if applicable).
  • Willing and able to follow study procedures.

Principal Investigator

Sub-Investigators

  • Gustavo A. Angarita
  • Ming-Kai Chen

For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:

Kimberlee Forselius-Bielen