Evaluating the Impact of Psychotherapeutic Advertising Claims on Cannabis Purchasing (NCT07216911)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
In the U.S., legal cannabis is frequently advertised as an effective treatment for mental health problems such as anxiety and depression-particularly online. States that have legalized cannabis have not implemented regulations to address this type of advertising. This project aims to investigate the influence of psychotherapeutic advertising claims (PAC) and mental health warning labels (WL) on online cannabis purchasing behaviors among light-to-moderate cannabis users with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The specific aims are to determine whether PAC increases cannabis purchasing intentions and whether a mental health WL can mitigate this effect. A realistic online cannabis shopping experience will be simulated using the digital Platform for Online Evaluation of Marijuana Marketing and Sales (POEMMS). The study will employ a between-subjects experimental design by randomizing 2,000 participants to one of four online stores that vary in PAC and WL content: (1) a control claims (CC)-only store, (2) a PAC store, (3) a WL store, and (4) a PAC + WL store. Participants will browse and select items as if making real purchases. Analyses will examine three primary outcomes to determine the influence of PAC and WL on purchasing behaviors: (1) total milligrams of THC purchased, (2) average potency (%THC) of products, and (3) overall number of products purchased. The long-term objective is to inform evidence-based cannabis policy and regulatory strategies by understanding the impact of cannabis marketing on vulnerable populations. This research is relevant to public health by addressing the potential risks associated with misleading cannabis marketing, which may lead to increased use and exacerbation of mental health symptoms among individuals with depression and anxiety. The project leverages a multidisciplinary team with expertise in addiction, mental health, epidemiology, and digital health technology. The findings have the potential to inform the development of targeted interventions and policies to reduce harms associated with cannabis advertising-ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and more effective regulation.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College — Lebanon, New Hampshire
Age range: 21 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- CC (BEHAVIORAL)
- PAC (BEHAVIORAL)
- WL (BEHAVIORAL)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College — Lebanon, New Hampshire
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Anxiety
- Intervention Trial for Healthcare Workers With Anxiety — Los Angeles, California
- Smartphones Aggravating Anxiety Symptoms — Rochester, Minnesota
- Digital Single Session Intervention for Youth Mental Health — Indianapolis, Indiana
- Testing FIRST in Youth Outpatient Psychotherapy — Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Novel Mental Health Therapies to Improve Military Readiness — Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
- Brain Stimulation & Generalized Anxiety Study — New York, New York
Explore by condition: All Anxiety clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.