Research

This study looks at how a person’s genes may affect the way they respond to THC, the main chemical in cannabis that causes a “high.” We are studying both healthy volunteers and people with certain mental health conditions to better understand how genetics may play a role in
cannabis’ effects.

• Ages: 21 to 70
• Study involves: Screening visit, 1 dosing session, 3 follow-up phone calls
• Pays up to: $300

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have tried cannabis at least once.
  
• Able and willing to give informed consent.

This study is testing the safety and effects of DMT, a psychedelic found in the traditional brew Ayahuasca. We are looking at how DMT affects the brain and whether it may help people with depression. The study includes both healthy volunteers and individuals living with
depression.

• Ages: 21 to 65
• Study involves: Screening visits, 2 out patient dosing sessions, 4 outpatient follow up visits, 5 EEG sessions and weekly follow – up visits over 12 weeks.
• Pays up to: $750

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who are currently experiencing moderate to severe depression.
• People who have tried at least one antidepressant without enough improvement, or who couldn’t tolerate the medication.
• Must be seeing a clinician for depression (or be willing to start treatment before joining the study).
• Willing to let the research team communicate with your primary mental health provider during the study.

This study is exploring how cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects the brain, focusing on a memory-related area called the hippocampus. We want to see if taking a break from cannabis for at least 4 weeks can help the brain recover, by comparing people with CUD to healthy volunteers who don’t use cannabis.

• Ages: 18 to 75
• Study involves: Screening visit, brain imaging sessions, at least 4 weeks of abstinence from cannabis
• Pays up to: $5,075

Inclusion Criteria:

• Daily cannabis users (at least 30 times per month, with a 2+ year history and 1000+ lifetime uses).
• Must test positive for cannabis (and negative for other drugs).
• Diagnosed with moderate or greater Cannabis Use Disorder (DSM-5).
• Cannabis must be the primary drug of choice.
• Willing to set a quit date during screening.
• Generally healthy, with no unstable medical conditions.
• No major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
• Not taking medications that affect brain chemistry related to the study.
• Limited other drug use in the past 3 months.
• Must agree to use birth control (if applicable).
• Willing and able to follow study procedures.

This study looks at how cannabis (THC) affects older adults. We are studying its impact on memory and thinking, how people feel after using it, how it affects the heart, and how the body processes it as we age.

• Ages: 21 +
• Study involves: Screening visit, 1 dosing session, 3 follow-up phone calls
• Pays up to: $350

Inclusion Criteria:

• Daily cannabis users (at least 30 times per month, with a 2+ year history and 1000+ lifetime uses).
• Must test positive for cannabis (and negative for other drugs).
  
• Diagnosed with moderate or greater Cannabis Use Disorder (DSM-5).
  
• Cannabis must be the primary drug of choice.
  
• Willing to set a quit date during screening.
• Generally healthy, with no unstable medical conditions.
• No major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
• Not taking medications that affect brain chemistry related to the study.
• Limited other drug use in the past 3 months.
• Must agree to use birth control (if applicable).
  
• Willing and able to follow study procedures.

This study is a phase one, placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind, clinical trial to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT), in addition to a short course of psychotherapy on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). For more information, please contact study coordinator: Angelina Contreras, abn.lab@yale.edu, 475-441-4190.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and Females, aged between 21 and 65 years (inclusive)
• In good general health as evidenced by medical history
• Diagnosed with alcohol use disorder based on DSM5 moderate to severe criteria

The Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN2) is proud to champion and support investigators in advancing innovative research. Through our growing suite of funding opportunities—including pilot awards, travel awards, and education awards—we aim to empower scientists at every stage of their careers. These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering discovery, collaboration, and broader access to research resources. As we continue to expand these programs, we remain dedicated to our mission of strengthening research pathways and supporting the next generation of scientific leaders.