We are interested in understanding the cause of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and how it affects the brain. We are looking for participants who regularly use cannabis and are willing to abstain from using cannabis for approximately 1 week. The goal of this study is to take pictures of a brain enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which may be implicated in cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
We are looking for participants who:
- Are 19–65 years old
- Self-report daily cannabis use
- Meet DSM-5 criteria for Cannabis Use disorder
- Able to sign and date consent
- Provide a scalp hair sample positive for cannabis
The study sessions include:
- An in-person interview (~4 hours). Here we will receive your consent to continue with the study.
- 2 to 3 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sessions (~2 hours each)
- 2 to 3 positron emission tomography (PET) sessions (~5-6 hours each)
- Clinical visits/abstinence monitoring between PET scan 1 and PET scan 2 (~1 hour)
- Clinical visits/abstinence monitoring (~1 hour weekly for ~21 days after PET scan 2)
*Note: you will be asked to complete cognitive tests and questionnaires throughout the study. You will receive compensation for your time. Also, expenses including travel and meals that fall within the study sessions can be reimbursed.
Your participation in this study will provide important information about the FAAH enzyme, which can contribute to the development of new treatments and help us learn more about how it affects those with cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
To learn more about joining our study, please call us at 416-535-8501 ext. 36280 or you can e-mail us at nadia.boachie@camh.ca.
You can also find more study details in our CAMH research listing.
REB: 029/2017