Iowa Seeks Pot Smokers For Study

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University to examine how marijuana affects brain, cognitive skills
Posted: 5:37 PM Apr 12, 2008
Last Updated: 5:37 PM Apr 12, 2008

41 comments

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A group of University of Iowa scientists is looking for marijuana smokers to help gain insight into the drug's effects and they plan to pay subjects as much as $600 to smoke their pot.

The study will examine how marijuana affects brain function and cognition, with particular attention to the duration of use and the age of first use. The measure is brain imaging studies and achievement tests, such as for math and verbal skills.

Robert Block, associate professor in the school's Department of Anesthesia and the lead investigator on the project, says the group is looking for pot users and control subjects who also consume alcohol and tobacco to participate in the study.

Subjects receive $20 for an initial screening session. Those that participate fully pocket $600. Call (319) 356-3868 for more information.

Block says depending on the results, the study might ultimately be used to support political positions on marijuana. Those could include whether there should be harsher criminal penalties, whether it should be decriminalized or whether it should be allowed for medicinal purposes.

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Posted by: adam on May 7, 2008 at 05:20 AM
as i read farther down people keep saying that testing for it was banned by the government. Yes you are right but the US government is the one who funded this study. They are also the one's who gave the university the marijuana

Posted by: Adam on May 7, 2008 at 05:17 AM
they also did one on MdMA AKA ecstasy FYI

Posted by: Adam on May 7, 2008 at 05:13 AM
This is real, I did this study last year, it consisted of a 2 night stay the hospital while it was done. You smoke 1 joint a day then they test u on things like basic math, and u play game like memory and blackjack to see how it effects you. Thru out the day they take scans of your brain to watch how active it is. Best job i ever had

Posted by: peterpuffer on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Im all for it! i hope they call me back cause im down to get stoned n get paid. if it is a setup i got nothing to worry about no warrents or anything. just a straight student who likes to smoke.

Posted by: happy feet on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Hey Happy people, Since we are all talking on the same page here. This is a scam. Just here recently they had a body shop {on 9th Ave} That was ran by cops with the help of the casinos,What does that tell all you air heads? ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!! My friends and family have had their people taken away because of drunk drivers, And they get away with a slap on the hand. We pot smokers get caught and it's the end of the world in the justice eye's. Whats wrong with this so called world? United We Stand ? May be us pot smokers but not the rest of this screwed up world. SEE YOU ALL ON 4:20! Mean while keep smiling all you HAPPY people.

Posted by: a former toker on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Put on the Pink Floyd(Dark Side of the Moon), and take a toke for all of us who cannot, because of the 9 to 5 job. Just decriminalize it and get it over with.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:05 AM
The problem here is marijauna research was banned by the Nixon adminstration. That's my cause for sceptism. I would like to believe this story is real. I believe many people with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain would benefit. It would also be a healthier alternative to drinking alcohol. Still I don't think it's paranoid to doubt a study that unfortunately violates federal law.

Posted by: hmm on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Your not going to get caught with pot by the law enforcment since after you smoke it they are locking you in the hospital for 2 days of study. Have fun with that one

Posted by: BJ on Apr 15, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Maybe this is a trap to nab people with outstanding warrants?? You know like the time they told everyone they won prizes. Dont do it??!!

Posted by: tom on Apr 15, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Started smoking in 1969.I am 51, a father of 7 strong persons. Have always smoked always been told that your not a good person if you smoke marijuana ,and have been arrested a number of times. California seems to have the right idea. Marijuana has always mellowed me out, relaxed me, and helped people that I've personally known to get through kemo therapy. Have a nice day and I'll be thinking of you at 4:20.

Posted by: Ashley on Apr 14, 2008 at 10:51 PM
I think this is Awesome!! It should be legal! God put it here it is a plant that grows in dirt.How can you make something like that illegal! its not right!! I LOVE pot!! it makes you happy!

Posted by: jarred on Apr 14, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I think this study is a great idea but they need to get normal people that smoke, not just a bunch of bums that want money or just to get high. Also just want to say that i could drink myself to death but i no i could not smoke myself to death. If they want a every day hard working pot head they should test people like my friend and me. We are both hard working people that like to sit down after a 10 hour day to smoke out and relax. its a lot better than coming home and getting drunk. if u want some real serious people for this study email me.

Posted by: happy on Apr 14, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Air heads, Glad we have the same views. A study is a study,IF that is what it is. I do hope and pray it is for the sick people that NEEDS it! And not some sick way to put the sick people in jail. Like we always thought Marijuana was put on this earth, GODS way of saying let there be peace and have a HAPPY day! Iowa's please don't be Idiots Out Wondering Around. We need to be strong and proud to be HAPPY:}. What's the worse we Air heads do ? We smoke a little = We eat alot = We sleep .Whats the harm in all that. Alcohol has been proven to be 90% caus of deadly accidents but you see it every where, Where are rights here ? Wake up people and smell the smell and do the right thing. LEGALIZE IT !!!!!!!

Posted by: Liam on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I'm seriously doubting this is a setup; the legal loopholes are just too big. A common belief - that if you ask an undercover cop if they are a cop, and they have to answer 'yes' or it's entrapment - is incorrect; undercover cops can lie if they need to in order to progress an investigation. However, this asks for volunteers who will be provided small amounts and evaluated medically for a study. Any attourney not puffing chiba himself would know that inviting someone to a location, giving them a controlled substance/banned narcotic, advocating its use, and then arresting the individual is the legal equivalent of inviting someone to a poker tournament and then declaring that it is an underground casino and busting everyone. I bet they could get just as many people volunteering for this if they offered half the money and all the Doritos and cookies you could eat.

Posted by: k on Apr 14, 2008 at 11:20 AM
How could this possibly be a set up. You people are paranoid.

Posted by: Joy on Apr 13, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Did you not catch that the test is to study the affects of SMOKING it? Can't really be a setup because they're also requesting non-marijuana smokers to use in the control group. Perhaps the study is actually the affects of alcohol when compounded by either nicotine or marijuana use. Oh, and the school would most likely have grown their own to control it's quality and keep the data valid. Yep, I did do one to many research projects. Thanks for asking.

Posted by: smilely on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:55 PM
We all enjoy what God has put upon this earth, Marijuana is grown from the ground. Just as our trees & flowers grow from our god made earth. Birds are flying with out any problems, Leave us air heads in the clouds and go try your scam on some other state, I.O.W.A does't stand for Idiots. Out.Wondering.Around=Not any more that is.

Posted by: Jay on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Too bad they are requiring tobacco smokers. Pot is non-addictive but nicotine sure isn't! Every past scientific study that has been done has shown pot to have a great medicinal value and to be non-addictive. It is a shame we legalize dangerous drugs like alcohol, while making beneficial drugs like pot illegal.

Posted by: Some kid on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Uh . . . someone give me their phone number, as I smoke marijuana daily and want dearly to contribute to sience by smoking up. And make easy money, also by smoking up. And I live in Iowa City. A light hath shined upon me today, frineds

Posted by: Smoke the dope on Apr 13, 2008 at 06:11 PM
I remember when my mother had cancer and her Dr. gave her marijuana pills to build her appetite back up. I never laughed so hard until I read this. They say pills have the same effect and they are legal. Why not use that. I smell a Total set-up and it isn't dope!!!!!!

Posted by: anon on Apr 13, 2008 at 04:10 PM
i know a heck of alot of people who would be more than happy to volunteer. in fact a year ago id have said sign me up!!! but now i lead a sober life cuz the effects of sobriety and the amount of extra money i have to spend on my kids is far more rewarding. makes 600 bucks seem like pocket change these days.

Posted by: David on Apr 13, 2008 at 04:01 PM
I wonder where the university is getting the dope from????? Or are they growing their own????? Hmmmmmmmmm

Posted by: Mark on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Now everyone knows if they did leagalize it,which will NEVER happen,the feds will be the ones regulating it,the quality will be poor,and if you are caught with a unregulated type you go to jail,not the standard 25.00 fine some get now. So if you were smart you would keep breaking the law and use the good stuff.

Posted by: Roger on Apr 13, 2008 at 11:29 AM
HOW CAN A STATE RUN AGENCY PAY PEOPLE FOR DOING SOMETHING THAT IS ILLEGAL? THE WHOLE UNIVERSITY SHOULD BE CHARGED AND THROWN IN JAIL!

Posted by: dee on Apr 13, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Sounds like a setup deal to me! Arent they being creative? And NO I am not a pot smoker but I believe if it can be used for medicinal purposes it should.

Posted by: 420fan on Apr 13, 2008 at 09:38 AM
i agree with mary jane, if people only realized that pot is natarual, its not like meth. plus people that smoke pot, you dont see them killing people or doing much at all(when there under the influance):-)! Seriously, alchol kills people, meth kills, coke kills, weed...not so much. Also, people would be suprised at what kind of people smoke i.e.; drs, lawyers, COPS(I know) even teachers(again i know). Does it effect there jobs, no they all work 40 hrs a week and contrubite to society. Who ever made the comment about getting funding from the IA casinos, what does that have to do with anything? Maybe if Nebraska got the stick out of there yea, we could benefit from the tax money instead of driving 4 miles to have Ia benefit from my money! Yea, im also from Nebraska.

Posted by: bud on Apr 13, 2008 at 08:57 AM
the 600 bucks would be nice but only if they got good smoke, not like the stuff my neighbor is growing

Posted by: Here on Apr 13, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Oh sure. Yep, head in there and come out in handcuffs..LOL..Some study oh seeing how stupid people really are. I would bet there are alot..HEHEHE

Posted by: Half Fast on Apr 13, 2008 at 01:54 AM
Mary O. I hate to say it, but I have to agree with you. It makes perfect sense in view of Federal and Iowa law that this would be a sting operation. It would be a cheap and easy way to round up 600 individuals with warrants on their heads. For all the good it could do for cancer, MS, Parkinson patients and others, it is a cheap and dirty way to raise their and their families hope for a better palliative. Kind of like tossing a starving dog a rubber bone. Too bad. I hope we're wrong.

Posted by: Brandon on Apr 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM
I've smoked Pot once, and didnt really see the use if it, I am willing to try it out, for the testing for you guys.

Posted by: Visions for a future on Apr 12, 2008 at 09:38 PM
I believe that this herb can benefit for many reason. One legally grown taxed marijuana work for farmers. The use for marijuana for purpose of healing and helping. Medical research to fund the real chemical affects of marijuana.

Posted by: AJ on Apr 12, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Now only of Nebraskans would lighten up we'd be in great shape.

Posted by: Mary O. on Apr 12, 2008 at 09:33 PM
This does sound like one of those instances when the city makes a public announcement offering an incentive (to lure fugitives), and when you get there, you're handcuffed for the warrant that's out for your arrest.

Posted by: Emjay on Apr 12, 2008 at 09:21 PM
The voice mail box for the number is full:( I'll bet they won't lack for applicants.

Posted by: Herb Ganja on Apr 12, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Mary Jane, I am with you. Too many people for too long have believed the hype & lies. Much can be learned about the beneficial effects. Plus, it has not killed anyone. What a great opportunity!

Posted by: Mary on Apr 12, 2008 at 08:46 PM
I'm guessing that this study is funded by casino money.

Posted by: Mary Jane on Apr 12, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I have already called the # to sign up :) Can you all see me smiling now? I can't wait to find out what you get to say to the Law when they try hauling you to jail for doing it.... I am a firm believer that if more people smoked marijuana, there would be less hatred, road rage, and murder going on. What better way to relax. I can't wait to come back here in a day or two to see all the negative comments towards me. If half of you people only knew what I did for a living, you would be shocked!

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 12, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Isn't this illegal? The testing of marijuana was banned over 35 years ago. I think I know a setup when I see one. Nice try though.

Posted by: Cool on Apr 12, 2008 at 07:23 PM
wait a sec...and no criminal charges filed/ couldn't we be arrested for intent to use an illegal substance or are the OPD AND OR IOWA GOING TO SIGN A WAIVER :)

Posted by: Brian on Apr 12, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Great. I see that pot is harmful we don't need to study the effects more then what has already been done. Anything going into your lungs like that is bad..

Posted by: Ben Payen on Apr 12, 2008 at 06:21 PM
do they provide it for you?