University of Guelph Recruiting Participants for Cannabis and Heart Health Study

Researchers at the University of Guelph are seeking volunteers for a new study examining the effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health.

The study is open to healthy men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 who are regular cannabis users, but limit their use to no more than one to two times per week.

Participants will help researchers investigate how different types of cannabis impact measures such as blood pressure, heart rate, muscle sympathetic nerve activity, and blood cannabinoid levels. To better understand these effects, participants will be asked to take a pill (either a placebo or a beta-blocker called Atenolol) before cannabis inhalation. This medication is designed to prevent increases in heart rate and allow for more controlled observation.

The research involves five visits to the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, spread out over five to eight weeks, totaling about 23 hours. Volunteers will receive monetary compensation for their time.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact study lead Philip Millar at 519-824-4120 ext. 54818 or pmillar@uoguelph.ca

This project has been reviewed and cleared by the University of Guelph Research Ethics Board to ensure compliance with federal guidelines for studies involving human participants.