Title of research study: Cannabis and Your Health
Investigator: Kent Hutchison, Ph.D.
Why am I being invited to take part in a research study?
We invite you to take part in a research study so that we can learn more about how cannabis impacts your health.
What should I know about a research study?
- Whether or not you take part in the study is up to you.
- You can choose not to take part.
- You can agree to take part and later change your mind.
- Your decision will not be held against you.
- You can ask all the questions you want before you decide.
Who can I talk to?
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints, or think the research has hurt you, talk to the research team at 303-492-9549.
This research has been reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (“IRB”). You may talk to them at (303) 735-3702 or irbadmin@colorado.edu if: The research team is not answering your questions, concerns, or complaints. You cannot reach the research team. You want to talk to someone besides the research team. You have questions about your rights as a research subject. You want to get information or provide input about this research.
Why is this research being done?
This research study investigates the effects of different types of cannabis and how cannabinoids can influence medical symptoms and conditions. We are interested in knowing which types, doses, and routes of administration of cannabis are used among different patient populations, and how these cannabinoids are related to your experience of your medical symptoms as well as potential side effects.
How long will the research last?
We expect the survey will take you approximately 15 minutes to complete.
How many people will be studied?
We expect about 250 people will be in this research study.
What happens if I say yes, I want to be in this research?
If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to do the following:
- Introduction and consent.
- Following the survey link will lead you to this form.
- After you have read this form, you will have the opportunity to confirm that you would like to participate in this research by answering the questions provided on this form.
- Once you have provided consent, you can then choose to click on the link and start the study at your own convenience.
- Survey.
- Once you have given electronic consent, you will fill out the questionnaires in this survey.
- The first set of questions will ask for general information about who you are and your normal cannabis use. The second set of quesitons will ask about your overall health with respect to your exercise habits, diet, and medical history.
- Examples of the types of questions you will be asked include:
- Are you employed? Are you in a relationship?
- How do you normally use cannabis? What strain do you normally use?
- Do you experience greater than normal anxiety?
- What medications do you use to relieve pain?
- Additional feedback.
- You will be allowed to provide any feedback or comments you may have for the research staff.
- Future studies.
- You will be asked if want to provide an email address to be contacted by research staff regarding participation in other cannabis-related studies that our lab is conducting. Doing so is completely optional and your choice.
What happens if I do not want to be in this research?
Being in this study is completely your choice. You do not have to participate if you don't want to. You may also leave the study at any time. If you leave the study before it is over you will not lose any benefits that you would normally get.
What happens if I say yes, but I change my mind later?
You can leave the research at any time it will not be held against you.
Is there any way being in this study could be bad for me?
There are no foreseeable risks to being in this study.
What happens to the information collected for the research?
Efforts will be made to limit the use and disclosure of your personal information, including research study and medical records, to people who have a need to review this information. We cannot promise complete secrecy. Organizations that may inspect and copy your information include the IRB and other representatives of this organization. Other than research staff, only regulatory agencies such as the Office of Human Research Protections and the University of Colorado at Boulder Institutional Review Board may see your individual data as part of routine audits.
There are however, some things that you might tell us that we CANNOT promise to keep confidential, as we must report information like:
- Child abuse or neglect.
- Plans to harm someone else or yourself.
You will be asked about illegal activities that you may have been involved in (for example cannabis use is still illegal at the federal level). We will protect your privacy in all published and written data resulting from this study. All results will be published only in group form. To further ensure your confidentiality, we will not collect identifying information like your name and all data obtained from this study will be stored and coded with a unique identification number. If you volunteer your email address to be contacted for future cannabis studies, those addresses will be kept on a password-protected server and stored separate from the rest of your responses at all times.
Can I be removed from the research without my OK?
It is possible that you might be removed from the study without your ok if you fail to comply with the explicit study instructions.
What else do I need to know?
If you choose to donate to the research, please do not assume that the donation that you make through our webpage and the CU Foundation is tax deductible.
If you are injured as a result of participating in this study or for questions about a study-related injury, call: Dr. Kent Hutchison at 303-492-9549.
Participation Confirmation:
Results from surveys/answers/information you provided will be collected and stored initially by Qualtrics.com. Information contained in those records will not be furnished to anyone unaffiliated with the research staff without your written consent except as required by law or regulation (subpoena).