Exploring the health impacts of medicinal cannabis through innovative research and technology.
As medicinal cannabis becomes more common for treating a wide range of health issues, the need for clear, scientific data on its effects has never been greater. To meet this challenge, the Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Laboratory has launched the National Cannabis Study (NCS), a major five-year initiative set to create a comprehensive new body of scientific evidence.
This landmark study aims to provide answers to a crucial question: is cannabis helpful, harmful, or neutral for most health conditions? By following thousands of new medicinal cannabis users, researchers hope to guide patients and their doctors toward the safest and most effective products and dosages.
What is the Goal of the National Cannabis Study?
The core purpose of the NCS is to gather firsthand experiences from individuals who are starting to use medicinal cannabis to manage their health. These personal accounts, combined with objective data, have the power to shape future medical decisions and industry standards.
“We’re collecting data on a wide variety of cannabis products from a large number of individuals who intend to use them to address specific health problems,” explains Dr. Ryan Vandrey, the study’s Principal Investigator and a professor at Johns Hopkins University Medical School. The study focuses on people who are turning to cannabis, often after other treatments have failed or caused difficult side effects. The data collected will help researchers understand how different products and doses impact various health outcomes.
How the Study Works
The NCS is designed to be straightforward for participants. Once enrolled, individuals complete four web-based surveys over one year. The first survey is a baseline taken before they start using cannabis, followed by three more surveys after they begin their regimen.
A key component of the study is the use of the DRUID app, a neuroscience-based tool that participants use on their mobile devices. Before and after using cannabis, they will complete a short test on the app. This provides objective data on cognitive and psychomotor performance, measuring functions like reaction time and balance.
“DRUID is an important arrow in our quiver,” Dr. Vandrey notes. While previous research has shown the app can detect impairment from high-dose THC, this study will explore how therapeutic cannabis use affects daily functioning. This information is critical for making informed clinical decisions and helping patients select the right products.
Who Can Participate and Why It Matters
The National Cannabis Study is recruiting 10,000 participants across the country. The ideal candidates are individuals who are new to cannabis and plan to start using it for a specific health concern.
By joining the study, participants contribute to vital research that could transform healthcare and the medicinal cannabis landscape. As a thank you for their time and contribution, participants will receive a $25 gift certificate for each of the four surveys they complete. Their anonymous responses will be analyzed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers dedicated to understanding the complex relationship between cannabis and health.
A Collaborative Effort for Better Health
The NCS is part of the Cannabis and Health Research Initiative, a collaboration between two leading organizations: Johns Hopkins University and Realm of Caring. Both have extensive experience in medicinal cannabis research and are working together to build a registry that will inform future research, policy, and best practices.
If you are considering using cannabis for a health condition and want to contribute to groundbreaking science, you can learn more and enroll at the National Cannabis Study website: cannabisandhealth.org/ncs.
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