- Long term medical effects of marijuana use [ Time Frame: measured at baseline visit ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Blood and urine will be collected and retained for study purposes to look at biomarkers and correlated cannabinoid (THC) levels.
Marijuana is currently used for both recreational and medicinal purposes in Colorado. The major active drug is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The most common route of use is through inhalation of the combustion products of the dried, buds/flowers from the female plant either rolled in paper (joint) or burned through a screen in a dry or water filled pipe (bong). Increasingly THC is consumed.
The side effects of the inhalation of burned leaves are controversial. The purpose of this proposal is to establish a prospective cohort of heavy marijuana users to evaluate positive and negative long term medical effects of marijuana use. As marijuana has also been reported for use to help treat insomnia, a sub-study will focus on how marijuana is used for sleep disorders and disturbances.
This study will enroll individuals that use marijuana to learn more about long-term health effects. The study involves one visit where participants will complete questionnaires, breathing tests, blood and urine collection. There is a sub-study where eligible participants will also complete an at-home sleep monitoring test. Participants will be contacted multiple times a year for long-term follow-up.