Project Status:

Dr. Aston's Research Project ended during CADRE Phase I.  Dr. Aston is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Public Health.

Description:

This project will be the first to investigate the impact of cannabis on pain, affect, and markers of inflammation among RA patients. Exploring novel and effective strategies to reduce pain and inflammation among individuals living with RA is crucial as current pharmacotherapies may not completely alleviate negative symptoms, and some, including opioids, pose high dependence liability. We will administer two cannabis formulations via vaporization (placebo and medium THC [1-5%]/medium CBD [1-5%]) across two experimental sessions using a counter-balanced, double-blind, crossover design. Blood will be collected during each session (pre-vaporization, 10 minutes post-vaporization, 60 minutes post-vaporization). Self-reported pain and affect will be assessed at the same time points.

Mentors: 

Jane Metrik, Ph.D., Brown University
Anthony Reginato, M.D., Brown University

Project Collaborator: 

Nancy Shadick, M.D., Harvard Medical School, Consultant

Research Team:

Alexander Gonzalez Trejo, Research Assistant