London university launches largest-ever independent study on the effects of cannabis on the brain

King’s College London is launching the largest independent study on the effects of cannabis on the brain. The study Cannabis & Me will focus on the environmental and biological factors underlying the various effects experienced by consumers cannabis.

The university has allocated £2.5 million and hopes that 6,000 people will participate in this survey. Researchers said that funding for the Medical Research Council would contribute to a better understanding of the use of this substance, which is consumed by 200 million people worldwide.

Further research is needed on how the Cannabis interacts with the brain "so that doctors can feel more confident when considering prescribing medical cannabis," said lead researcher Dr. Di Forti.

«Many people use cannabis daily, both for recreational and medical purposes,» she said. «But in the United Kingdom, the Prescriptions for medical cannabis remain rare. »

«Our study aims to provide data and tools that can help doctors in the United Kingdom and around the world feel more confident, when appropriate, about prescribing cannabis safely.»

The overall objective of the study is to understand the relationship between a user’s biological makeup and the effect of cannabis on that user. The researchers will use a combination of virtual reality, psychological and cognitive analysis, and DNA testing.

They will also study epigenetics in the participants—that is, how behavior and the environment can influence gene function.

Dr. Di Forti said she was particularly interested in identifying any indicators linked to potential problems among consumers, such as mental health issues or social problems.

The team is currently looking for participants between the ages of 18 and 45 who live in the London area and who either currently use cannabis or have used it fewer than three times or never before.

The first step for participants is to complete an online survey 40 minutes.