About the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative

What We Believe

The Cannabinoid Research Collaborative is a team of researchers at MUSC dedicated to researching multiple aspects of cannabinoid use. We understand cannabinoids can have both positive and negative effects on people, which is why we maintain a neutral stance on their use. Our team of researchers and clinicians studies current trends of cannabinoid use and seeks ways to reduce any harmful effects and improve health outcomes. The studies we offer vary in length of time. Some studies are simply observational (no intervention given) while others are more treatment based (intervention may be given). We aim to be a cannabinoid resource within the community.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are organic components that make up the cannabis plant, and over 100 cannabinoids have been discovered. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis. They are also the most well-known in the general community and the most researched cannabinoids. Generally, THC is thought to be the cannabinoid that gets people “high”, while CBD does not. CBD has been connected to many health claims (reducing anxiety, inflammation, and pain); however, more research is needed in these areas. In general, cannabinoids are interesting compounds with many different effects.

Confidentiality and Privacy

We understand your concerns regarding confidentiality, and we want to go more in depth about the steps and policies in place at the CRC to protect your confidentiality. Before we can even begin a study, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at MUSC must approve that our study meets the requirements of the Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. Once a study is approved, we begin our recruitment process with only pre-approved materials and study protocols. The IRB is made up of scientists and people from the community whose purpose is to make sure all the research we conduct is fair, low risk, and confidential.

To further protect participants’ privacy, we do not link data to any identifying information, including participant names or contact information. We also have a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institutes of Health. This means that we cannot disclose or provide the name or any identifying information or data in any Federal, State, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding, unless the participant consents to the disclosure. We make sure to go above and beyond to gain the trust of all participants and keep all information confidential and private.

Age Range

Substance use, including the use of cannabinoids, can begin in early adolescence and continue throughout the lifespan. For this reason, we recruit individuals 12 and older to be inclusive of all ages that could be using cannabinoids and to provide equal opportunities to participate in substance use research. The CRC partners closely with the MUSC Youth Collaborative who works exclusively with youth ages 12-25.