If you have ever found yourself lingering in the wellness aisle or scrolling online wondering whether a hemp or cannabis tincture, capsule, topical cream, edible, or vape might help you feel better, you are not alone.
More people than ever are becoming canna-curious: open to exploring cannabinoid products, but cautious about where to begin. Questions like What’s right for me? Will this be safe? Is there real science behind this? are common, and valid.
At Realm of Caring, we have spent over a decade listening to individuals and families navigating these exact questions. One thing is clear: people deserve support, evidence, and guidance before trying something new.
That is why we encourage anyone planning to begin using a cannabinoid product to take one important step before their first dose: participate in the National Cannabis Study.
What Is the National Cannabis Study?
The National Cannabis Study (NCS) is a national, observational research initiative conducted by the Cannabis and Health Research Initiative (CHRI), a platform dedicated to understanding how medicinal cannabis and cannabinoid products affect real people in real life.
Unlike many studies that look backward, the NCS focuses on individuals before they start using cannabis and follows their experiences over time. This approach allows researchers to better understand changes in health, quality of life, and daily functioning, which is information that has been historically missing from cannabis research.
The study collects firsthand experiences from individuals using cannabis and cannabinoid-derived products for a wide range of wellness and health goals. These personal accounts help inform:
- Clinical decision-making
- Responsible product development
- Industry best practices
- Public health and regulatory policy
In short, the NCS turns lived experience into meaningful evidence.
Why “Before You Try” Matters
Starting a cannabinoid product, whether that be CBD, THC, or a combination, may influence your body in subtle or significant ways. By capturing information before you begin, the NCS creates a baseline that helps researchers understand what truly changes after use begins.
Your experience, documented thoughtfully and securely, becomes part of a growing body of data that helps answer questions like:
- Who benefits most from cannabinoids?
- Which products are better suited for certain wellness goals?
- How do cannabinoids interact with other medications or health conditions?
If you are already planning to try a product, taking the survey before you start ensures your experience contributes to stronger, more reliable research.
Who Can Participate?
You may be eligible for the NCS if you:
- Plan to begin using cannabis or cannabinoid products
- Have not yet started using cannabis
- Intend to use cannabis for wellness or medicinal purposes
- Are doing so with or without the guidance of a medical professional
If you are standing at the beginning of your cannabinoid journey, this study was designed with you in mind.
What Does Participation Look Like?
Participation is designed to be accessible and respectful of your time:
- Secure online surveys that take approximately 45 minutes
- Questions related to:
- Mental and physical health
- Quality of life and daily functioning
- Current medications and cannabinoid use
Some participants may also be invited to take part in optional follow-ups, including app-based surveys or blood tests to measure changes in health over time.
All data is collected securely and used to advance patient-centered research.
Three Reasons People Choose to Participate
- Earn a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Eligible participants receive a $25 Amazon gift card as a thank-you for contributing their time and experience.
- Get Free, One-on-One Guided Support
Navigating cannabinoids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Participants have access to free, personalized guidance (the kind Realm of Caring is known for) so you can make informed decisions without pressure or sales tactics.
- Access Discounts from Trusted Brands
Participants may also receive discounts from select, quality cannabinoid brands, helping reduce barriers to trying products responsibly.
Why Your Voice Matters
Thousands of individuals will contribute to the National Cannabis Study. Together, these experiences form a powerful resource – real-world evidence that researchers, clinicians, and policymakers can learn from.
At Realm of Caring, we believe patients and consumers are essential partners in research. Your lived experience helps shift cannabis conversations away from hype and toward health, safety, and science. By participating, you’re not just exploring a new wellness option, you are helping shape the future of cannabinoid care for others.
Register to take your first survey (or pass the link along!): https://study.cannabisandhealth.org/register/
