Cannabinoid Research Collaborative

10/16/2026

🎉 Exciting News!

Dr. Aimee McRae-Clark and Dr. Kevin Gray previously showed that varenicline, one of the most effective medications for smoking cessation, may also help men with cannabis use disorder.

Now, we're excited to share that Dr. Aimee McRae-Clark and Dr. Rachel Tomko have received funding to build on these promising findings by testing varenicline in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals looking to make changes to their cannabis use.

This new study aims to better understand how to maximize treatment effectiveness for both men and women and advance treatment options for cannabis use disorder.

🚀 Stay tuned as we prepare to launch this new study!

📖Read more about the original findings: https://www.musc.edu/content-hub/News/2026/01/21/varenicline-may-also-work-for-cannabis-use-disorder

🔗 Learn more about the upcoming study: https://scresearch.org/studies/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=varenicline+cannabis+use+disorder&commit=GO

09/25/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Erin Martin on her new cannabis-focused research grant!

Her project, The Contribution of the Endocannabinoid System to S*x Differences in THC-Associated Reward (STAR), will explore how the endocannabinoid system may contribute to differences in the rewarding effects of THC among adults with cannabis use disorder.

Using a multi-modal approach, this research aims to better understand potential risk factors for cannabis use disorder and contribute to the development of new approaches for substance use disorders. 🔬🧠

We’re excited to celebrate Dr. Martin and the important work ahead! 👏

09/10/2026

💛 World Su***de Prevention Day 💛

Today, we’re reminded of the importance of connection, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable reaching out for support.

Talking openly about mental health can help reduce stigma and remind others that they are not alone. A simple conversation, a listening ear, or checking in on someone can make a meaningful difference.

Let’s continue to support one another, encourage open conversations, and spread hope. 💚
🎗

08/29/2026

As August comes to an end, we’re also saying farewell to some wonderful members of the CRC team! 💚

Over the past year, our postdoctoral fellows have brought their expertise, curiosity, and dedication to our research community. From contributing to ongoing studies to supporting participants and collaborating with the team, their work has made a meaningful impact on the CRC.

We’re grateful for the time, energy, and perspectives they’ve shared with us, and we’re excited to see where their next chapters take them! 🎓✨

Thank you for being part of the CRC family. We’ll miss having you on the team, but we’re cheering you on in all that comes next! 💚

Please join us in wishing our postdocs all the best in their future endeavors! 🥳👏

08/14/2026

🔬 Research Spotlight: Cannabis and sleep are increasingly being studied to better understand how cannabis may affect the brain.

A recent Washington Post article explores research on cannabis and REM sleep 🌙, a stage of sleep associated with dreaming and important brain processes. Studies suggest that cannabis may suppress REM sleep, raising questions about how these changes could relate to memory, emotions, and the role of dreaming 🧠.

As researchers continue to investigate cannabis and sleep, these findings highlight the complexity of how cannabis may interact with the brain during sleep.

📃 Read the article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/07/23/hidden-way-cannabis-changes-your-brain-while-you-sleep/

08/06/2026

07/24/2026

Today, we had the honor of attending the SC CHEER YES Colloquium! We were able to support some of our summer interns as they presented their final projects. Our interns spent the summer pursuing their own research interests which included cannabis use and its effects on a range of topics (e.g., SSRIs, pregnancy, coping motives). We are blown away by all of their hard work and are so appreciative to be a part of mentoring the future of research!

07/03/2026

🧠 How Much Do You Know About Research? 🔬

Think you know the facts about research? Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz!

Whether you're familiar with research studies or just curious about how they work, this is a fun way to learn something new. Take your best guess, then swipe to see the answer!

💬 Comment how many you got right, and share this quiz with someone who loves learning!

06/20/2026

📣 Welcome Marta to the CRC Team!

We’re excited to welcome Marta to the Cannabinoid Research Collaborative team! 🎉

Marta joins us with a passion for research and a commitment to advancing our understanding of substance use, mental health, and overall well-being. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue working to make a meaningful impact through research and community engagement.

Please join us in giving Marta a warm welcome! 💚

06/04/2026

💬 Testimonial Thursday

Participant feedback means so much to our team! We are committed to creating a positive, supportive, and professional experience for everyone who chooses to take part in our research.❤️

🌱 Every participant plays an important role in advancing science, and we're grateful for the trust they place in our research. Thank you for helping us move knowledge forward, one study at a time.