Pilot fMRI Studies of Aging-Related Effects of THC

NCT ID: NCT06647524

Last Updated: 2025-10-09

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

PHASE2

Total Enrollment

10 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-07-01

Study Completion Date

2027-12-31

Brief Summary

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The purpose of this study is to begin investigating acute impairment of various forms of memory and learning by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis (CNB) compared to placebo, in a 2-session per subject double-blind, random assignment, placebo-controlled counterbalanced design in young to middle-aged adults.

Detailed Description

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Tasks tapping each of the major cognitive memory-related domains will be performed in the MRI scanner, to reveal the relevant underlying circuitry and its disruption by drug using functional MRI.

On an initial Screening Visit, regular or novice cannabis (CNB) users will undergo informed consent, clinical assessment (to fully evaluate inclusion/exclusion criteria), cognitive/personality assessment, and a structural MRI scan.

At each assessment, subjects will provide subjectively-rated CNB intoxication using a verbal analog scale, complete 2 fMRI paradigms within \~1.5 hours: a) Card Guessing task and b) Complex Working Memory Span, and complete the computer-based Effort Expenditure for Reward Task within \~2 hours. These tests will be counterbalanced across subjects and sessions to minimize order and fatigue effects. Breaks will be standardized in a private environment and snacks/meals provided. Bathroom visits given as needed. Subjects will be supervised at all times by study staff and vital signs monitored. On assessment days, participants will remain at the Olin NRC until they report no subjective intoxication, and are observed by study staff to be no longer objectively intoxicated, then use taxi or Uber transportation home.

Conditions

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THC

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

CROSSOVER

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Investigators
The dose will be portioned by the unblinded co-investigator to assure each participant receives the correct dose.

Study Groups

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THC then Placebo

Participants in this arm will receive THC then placebo in a 2-session per subject double-blind, random assignment, placebo-controlled counterbalanced design. (Participants randomized to receive THC in the first session will receive placebo at the 2nd session.) Sessions will be scheduled at least one week apart. Tasks tapping each of the major cognitive memory-related domains will be performed in the MRI scanner, to reveal the relevant underlying circuitry and its disruption by drug using functional MRI.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

THC

Intervention Type DRUG

Participants will be administered 0.5g of vaporized THC cannabis (12% THC cannabis)

Placebo

Intervention Type DRUG

Participants will be administered identical plant material from which all THC has been removed by solvent extraction.

Placebo then THC

Participants in this arm will receive placebo then THC in a 2-session per subject double-blind, random assignment, placebo-controlled counterbalanced design. (Participants randomized to receive placebo in the first session will receive THC at the 2nd session.) Sessions will be scheduled at least one week apart. Tasks tapping each of the major cognitive memory-related domains will be performed in the MRI scanner, to reveal the relevant underlying circuitry and its disruption by drug using functional MRI.

Group Type PLACEBO_COMPARATOR

THC

Intervention Type DRUG

Participants will be administered 0.5g of vaporized THC cannabis (12% THC cannabis)

Placebo

Intervention Type DRUG

Participants will be administered identical plant material from which all THC has been removed by solvent extraction.

Interventions

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THC

Participants will be administered 0.5g of vaporized THC cannabis (12% THC cannabis)

Intervention Type DRUG

Placebo

Participants will be administered identical plant material from which all THC has been removed by solvent extraction.

Intervention Type DRUG

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* CNB use within past 2 years and felt "high" when used.
* Able to read, speak, and understand English.
* Able and willing to provide written informed consent, and willing to commit to the study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria

* Current marijuana tolerance, desire to cut down, or cravings to use during periods of abstinence.
* Positive screen for drug or alcohol (except CNB) on test day will result in rescheduling the appointment
* History of adverse effects with CNB
* CNB users who are abstaining
* IQ \<80 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence
* Inability to comprehend written instructions using the WRAT 4 reading achievement test
* Pregnant, breastfeeding, and ineffective birth control methods
* Unable or unsafe to have an MRI
* Serious medical, neuro-ophthalmological, or neurological illness (e.g. cancer, seizure disorders, encephalopathy
* History of head trauma with loss of consciousness \> 30 minutes or concussion lasting 30 days
* Focal brain lesion seen on structural MRI
* Any medical/neurological condition that could compromise neurocognitive performance (e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, fetal alcohol syndrome)
* Anyone deemed unsafe to study personnel for any reason
* Hearing loss such that subject cannot hear sounds at the levels (dB) or pitches (Hz) to be used in the study
* Significant pain and/or reduced mobility in the arms
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

75 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Biopharmaceutical Research Company

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

Bloom Labs Cannabis Solutions

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

Yale University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Godfrey Pearlson

Professor of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Godfrey Pearlson, M.D

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Founding Director, Olin Neuropsychiatry Center; Yale University

Locations

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Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Center at Hartford Healthcare

Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Godfrey Pearlson, MD

Role: CONTACT

860-305-8921

Ariana Caruso

Role: CONTACT

Other Identifiers

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HHC-2024-0186

Identifier Type: OTHER

Identifier Source: secondary_id

2000032428

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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