Evaluation of the Microbiome and Metabolome in IBS patients who use cannabis

Summary

Cannabis has long been used to treat abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal disorders and is commonly used by people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to manage their symptoms. Previous research has shown that cannabis components (THC and CBD) can influence our microbiome (bacteria and other microbes living in our gut). This research study is looking at how edible cannabis may affect the microbiome among adults with diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D).

We are recruiting 2 main groups of participants:
1. people with IBS-D who regularly use cannabis edibles
2. people with IBS-D who do not use cannabis at all

Participating in this study will only take a few hours in total. Everything can be done in your own home at your convenience.

What's involved?
1. Screening interview over the phone to ensure that all study inclusion and exclusion criteria are met, about 20-30 minutes.
2. Complete 6 questionnaires about symptoms related to your physical and mental health, about an hour.
3. Collect a stool sample with equipment provided
4. Write down a 24 hour diet diary the day before stool collection.

All questionnaires and required equipment will be mailed to you. After all study samples and questionnaires are completed, send back to the University using a pre-paid courier.

As a thank you for your time and effort, researchers will provide a $25 e-Gift Card (grocery store or coffee shop) after receipt of the completed questionnaires and collected stool sample.