Cannabis-Tobacco Co-Use Treatment Study

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Mar 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The RECLAIM study is a clinical trial that aims to find out if varenicline, a medication commonly known as Chantix, can help people who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis (marijuana) quit smoking and reduce their cannabis use. This study is important because, while varenicline is FDA approved for helping people stop smoking, it is not yet approved for treating both smoking and cannabis use together. Participants will also receive counseling and access to online resources to support their quitting journey. The study is being conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina and can be done entirely online, so there are no in-person visits required.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years old, live in South Carolina, and currently smoke cigarettes (at least 5 a day) while also using cannabis (at least 3 days a week). They should be interested in quitting smoking and reducing their cannabis use. Before joining, participants will need to pass a quick test to confirm their tobacco and cannabis use. However, individuals with certain health issues, those who are pregnant, or people using specific medications for quitting smoking are not eligible. If you or someone you know fits these criteria and is interested in participating, this study could provide valuable support during the quitting process.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • 1. Ages 18 and over (no upper age limit)
• • 2. Must smoke at least 5 tobacco cigarettes per day on at least 20 out of the past 30 days for the past 3 months
• • 3. Must express interest in quitting tobacco
• • 4. Must express interest in cannabis reduction and/or cessation
• • 5. Must submit a positive instant-read test for cotinine and cannabis prior to enrollment
• • 6. Must self-report cannabis use (THC-dominant products) on at 3 days per week out of the past 30 days
• • 7. Must be willing to take varenicline or placebo for 12 weeks
• • 8. Must reside in South Carolina
• Exclusion criteria:
• • 1. Any significant or acutely unstable medical, psychiatric, or substance use problem (including clinically significant disorders) that would contraindicate research, interfere with safety, compromise data integrity, or preclude consistent study participation
• • 2. Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• • 3. Use of medications with smoking cessation efficacy
• • 4. Regular use of e-cigarettes or other tobacco products (\<10 days in the past month)
• • 5. Self-reported use of cannabis exclusively for medical purposes