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N/A N=190 Randomized Quadruple-blind Basic Science

Using Imaging to Assess Effects of THC on Brain Activity

Intoxication Alcohol · Intoxication THC · Intoxication Combined Alcohol THC

Enrolled (actual)
190
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Jul 2022
Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Concentration of Oxygenated Hemoglobin Between Pre-drug and Post-drug Scans of Patients Completing the N-back Task. — 0.00000000042; -0.00000000126; -0.00000000271; -0.00000000114 Δ mol/L — p=0.94

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
Dronabinol (Drug); Ethanol (Drug); Placebo dronabinol (Drug); Placebo ethanol (Drug)
Age
Adult · 18+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Primary completion
Jan 2021

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Change in Concentration of Oxygenated Hemoglobin Between Pre-drug and Post-drug Scans of Patients Completing the N-back Task.
0.00000000042; -0.00000000126; -0.00000000271; -0.00000000114; -0.00000000151; -0.00000000219 0.94

Summary

This study will assess effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC + alcohol in marijuana users on prefrontal brain activity, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during resting state and during memory task performance. Participants will complete fNIRS testing 120 minutes following THC or identical placebo (Phase 2A), or THC/ethanol, THC/placebo ethanol, placebo THC/ethanol, and placebo THC/placebo ethanol (Phase 2B), and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentration will be measured.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria General

  • Men and women aged 18-55 years, inclusive; (for Phase 2B: men and women aged 21-55 years, inclusive)
  • Competent and willing to provide written informed consent;
  • Able to communicate in English language.
  • Regular, at least monthly, marijuana use, confirmed by positive urine screen for THC

Additional Inclusion Criteria For Phase 2B:

  • Past consumption of at least two alcoholic beverages in one occasion.
  • Past co-consumption of alcohol and THC at least once in lifetime with no serious adverse effects.
  • Weigh more than 100 lbs.

Exclusion Criteria

General (Phase 2A, 2B 3)

  • Any unstable, serious medical illness, or cardiovascular disease or events.
  • New or unstable psychiatric symptoms, schizophrenia, or bipolar I disorder,
  • Diabetes, cirrhosis, renal failure, Hepatitis C, HIV,
  • History of syncope without an identified situational stressor, migraines >1x/month, head injury with prolonged unconsciousness (> 24 hours);
  • Allergy to sesame oil (contained in Marinol pills) or Marinol capsules
  • Daily use of benzodiazepines or barbiturates, antihistamines, atropine, scopolamine, or other strong anticholinergic agents;
  • Current pregnancy or lactation, or trying to become pregnant (confirmed by urine pregnancy test)
  • In the opinion of the investigator, not able to safely participate in this study.

Additional Exclusion Criteria For Phase 2B:

  • Currently seeking treatment, in treatment, or in recovery from an alcohol use disorder.
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03655717). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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