THC for Cannabis Use
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how THC, a component of cannabis, affects mood, stress responses, and thinking abilities in regular cannabis users. Participants will undergo two sessions: one with cannabis containing THC and another with a placebo, without knowing which is which during the sessions. The study aims to determine if THC alters mood and stress reactions compared to a non-active substance. It suits adults who use cannabis at least once a week and are willing to abstain on the testing day. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures THC's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to important findings.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must abstain from cannabis on the day of your testing session.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Studies have shown that THC, the main ingredient in cannabis, can cause side effects such as slowed reaction time, impaired decision-making, affected coordination, and altered perception. Some research suggests that cannabis users might face a higher risk of heart issues, like heart attacks.
Regarding safety, THC is widely known and used. The study uses a 20 mg dose, considered moderate. Previous users have generally tolerated this dose well, though individual responses vary. Participants in the study will receive close monitoring to manage any effects. The study also compares participants' experiences with and without THC to ensure safety.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Researchers are excited about using THC for cannabis use disorder because it offers a unique approach compared to standard treatments like behavioral therapy and medications such as naltrexone or bupropion. Unlike these traditional options, THC itself is being investigated for its potential to reduce cannabis use by mimicking the effects of cannabis, potentially helping to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This approach could offer a novel mechanism by providing controlled exposure to the active component of cannabis, which might aid in reducing dependence more effectively than current methods.
What evidence suggests that THC might be an effective treatment for cannabis use?
This trial will compare the effects of THC with a placebo. Studies have shown that THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, can reduce anxiety and stress. Research also suggests that THC might affect mood and mental functions like memory and attention. Early findings indicate that THC could change how regular cannabis users handle stress and emotions. Some studies found that THC might help with conditions like cannabis use disorder, where people struggle to control their cannabis use. However, more research is needed to fully understand THC's effects on regular users.6789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ryan J McLaughlin, PhD
Principal Investigator
Washington State University
Carrie Cuttler, PhD
Principal Investigator
Washington State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults who regularly use cannabis at least once a week. They must have abstained from cannabis recently and be free of other drugs, confirmed by tests. Participants should not have any health conditions that could interfere with the study or pose risks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete baseline questionnaires and drug tests to confirm eligibility and provide initial data on cannabis use patterns, mood, and cognitive function.
Treatment Session 1
Participants undergo a vaping session with either THC or placebo, followed by cognitive tests, stress challenge, and a nature video. Participants are monitored until they report feeling sober.
Washout Period
Participants abstain from cannabis use for a minimum of 8 hours before the next session.
Treatment Session 2
Participants undergo a second vaping session with the opposite condition (THC or placebo), followed by the same procedures as in Treatment Session 1.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any delayed effects and debriefed about the study.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- THC
Trial Overview
The study is testing how a moderate dose of THC (20 mg) affects mood, stress response, and cognitive functions compared to a placebo in regular cannabis users. It's double-blind and crossover: participants try both THC and placebo in random order across two sessions.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will inhale vapor from .17 grams of cannabis containing 11.86% THC (20mg THC total) during the first session. They will inhale vapor from a placebo product during the second session.
Participants will inhale vapor from a placebo product during the first session. They will inhale vapor from .17 grams of cannabis containing 11.86% THC (20mg THC total) during the second session.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Washington State University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder ...
This data synthesis examined the effectiveness of behavioural and pharmacological approaches for cannabis treatment.
Cannabis use and cannabis use Disorder - PubMed Central
Approximately 17.0% of weekly and 19.0% of daily cannabis smokers met the criteria for cannabis dependence. In addition, in a longitudinal study almost 1 in 19 ...
The differential effects of medicinal cannabis on mental ...
A narrative review reported that THC and CBD were associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety, TS, anorexia nervosa, cannabis use disorder, and opioid use ...
Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder | Fact Sheets
About 10 percent of people who begin smoking cannabis will become addicted. Treatment includes motivational interviews, contingency management and cognitive ...
Know the Effects, Risks and Side Effects of Marijuana
Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced ...
Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use - PubMed Central - NIH
Recent marijuana smoking and blood THC levels of 2 to 5 ng per milliliter are associated with substantial driving impairment. According to a meta-analysis, the ...
Cannabis Health Effects
Cannabis health effects ; It can slow reaction time and ability to make decisions. · 16 ; Cannabis can impair coordination and distort perception.
8.
acc.org
acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/03/17/15/35/Cannabis-Users-Face-Substantially-Higher-RiskCannabis Users Face Substantially Higher Risk of Heart ...
Two new studies add to mounting evidence that people who use cannabis are more likely to suffer a heart attack than people who do not use the drug.
Over 40% of Deceased Drivers in Motor Vehicle Crashes ...
In a review of 246 deceased drivers, 41.9% tested positive for active THC in their blood, with an average level of 30.7 ng/mL — far ...
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