Older Adult Cannabis Research

Are You Interested in Cannabis Research?

So are we! Dr. Rachel Thayer and members of her research lab at UCCS are interested in studying the health effects of cannabis use, especially for older adults. Adults age 60 and older are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in terms of popularity of cannabis use, but there is limited information from existing research on exactly how cannabis could interact with our health as we age. In particular, we are interested in cognitive impacts of cannabis use with aging. For example, cannabis may help cognition in some ways like increasing attention, or it may slow down processing speed, critical thinking, and memory. See below for active projects that are currently seeking participants.

Projects Currently Seeking Participants

Are you over 60? have you used cannabis in the last year?

You could participate in a research study at UCCS investigating cannabis use and health with aging among adults age 60 or over.

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

  • Age 60 or over
  • Have used cannabis at least once in the last year
  • Have internet access

The study is entirely online and involves:

  • Part 1: Online questionnaires (about 1 hour)
  • Part II: Weekly brief survey and cognitive testing (about three hours total)
  • Compensation for your time
Chalk art of diagram of human brain

If you are interested in getting more information or signing up to participate, please email [email protected]. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can choose to be in the study or not and to stop at any time. This study is approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

PI: Rachel Thayer, Protocol #: 2021-134