Warrior CARE: Naturalistic Observation and Harm Reduction

Wayne Warrior CAnnabis Research and Education: Naturalistic Observation and Harm Reduction

This study is looking at therapeutic potential of reducing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels in regular cannabis smokers using contingency management (CM) intervention in a U.S. veteran population with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In this trial, the investigators will recruit veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who report using cannabis. Veterans will be assigned (via participant self-selection) into either a naturalistic group that will be followed as the participants continue to use cannabis as they normally do (observation only), or into a "THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) reduction group" in which veterans are asked to switch from their typical cannabis product to using a lower THC/higher Cannabidiol (CBD) product; adherence to this switch will be incentivized using a behavioral intervention called contingency management (CM).

Inclusion Criteria:

• able to provide informed consent, IQ Score >80,
• served in branch of the US armed forces, report using cannabis,
• report using cannabis (at least 4x/month)
• test positive for THC in urine drug screen,
• meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD w/ Sx of at least 6 months duration

Exclusion Criteria:

• urine drug screen positive for any other drugs
• any clinically significant medical problems,
• any current or past serious psychotic or bipolar disorder diagnosis as determined by SCID-5
• at immediate high risk for suicide based on the C-SSRS
• current SUD other than Nicotine Use Disorder, Alcohol (mild or moderate) and Cannabis Use Disorder
• seeking treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder