Study on Regulated Cannabis Sales in Pharmacies (NCT06120855) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Study on Regulated Cannabis Sales in Pharmacies
Switzerland1,177 participantsStarted 2024-03-11
Plain-language summary
Though regulated cannabis sales are increasing, little is known about the individual health effects of cannabis regulation. Data from countries with a regulated market can be used to test the effect of regulation on the price of cannabis in the illicit market, and to explore its effect on social and health outcomes at the societal level, but strength of evidence for individual health and social outcomes is more limited because it must be aggregated on a state or country level. Data on individual and social outcomes should include baseline measurements before and outcome measurements after regulations changed. In this context, randomized-controlled trials are the least biased source of data on the effects of interventions.
The SCRIPT study aims to investigate the individual health and social impact on recreational cannabis users who are allowed to purchase authorized, regulated cannabis from Swiss pharmacies compared to users who buy cannabis on the illicit market. Participants are randomly allocated in one of the two groups and followed-up for 6 months. After 6 months, all participants are allowed to participate in the intervention and the cohort is followed up for another 18 months.
The intervention includes various offers: Participants can choose between cannabis sorts and delivery methods, and they are encouraged to shift from smoking cannabis to vaping cannabis-containing e-liquids, vaporizing cannabis blossoms or using oral cannabis. Vaping / vaporizing electronic devices are also recommended. At the same time, pharmacists offer opportunistic smoking cessation and problematic cannabis, alcohol use and further drug use counseling that conforms to motivational interviewing principles.
The SCRIPT study adheres to rigorous quality criteria for the production and storage of regulated cannabis products. Only vaping / vaporizing electronic devices which are validated to reduce exposure to toxicants compared to cannabis smoking are recommended.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* At least 18 years old (validated with valid identification document)
* Written informed consent
* Regular cannabis user: Self-reported cannabis use at least once a month over the last 6 months and verified cannabis exposure based on urine analysis at baseline
* Resident status in the canton of Bern (for cannabis purchase in the cities of Bern or Biel) or in the city of Lucerne (for cannabis purchase in the city of Lucerne) (validated with registration confirmation from the municipality or confirmation of the residential address)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women (pregnancy test based on urine sample)
* Breastfeeding women (self-reported)
* People with a prescription for medical cannabis (self-reported)
* People currently in psychiatric inpatient treatment (self-reported)
* People with current, severe psychosis (self-reported and confirmed by study nurse/study physician)
* People with current, severe suicidal thoughts (self-reported and confirmed by study nurse/study physician)
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study due to severe cognitive impairment or language problems
* People who cannot attend the baseline study visit in-person
* People planning to move out of the canton of residence within 6 months of entering the trial.
* People who are participating or have participated (inclusion date up to one year ago) in another cannabis pilot trial which allows to buy regulated cannabis (validated by matching untraceable codes between studies …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Self-reported cannabis and tobacco smoking abstinence in the 7 days prior to the 6-months follow-up visit, validated by carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaled air