An observational study in Marijuana Abuse, sponsored by Wayne State University. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 21 Years to 45 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2012-06-05.
Sponsored by Wayne State University · Observational
The majority of past research on marijuana treatment has targeted the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms. Minimal focus has been placed on how altering craving effects may play a role in treating marijuana addiction. Treatment with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main ingredient in marijuana responsible for its reinforcing effects, may decrease marijuana cravings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of THC pre-treatment on responses to marijuana-related cues versus non marijuana-related cues in individuals addicted to marijuana.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States; more than 2 million Americans either abuse or are dependent on the drug. Therefore, there is a clear need for treatment options. Past research on marijuana treatments has focused on alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Minimal focus has been placed on how altering craving effects may play a role in treating marijuana addiction. Treatment with THC, a component of marijuana that causes the "high" sensation, may reduce marijuana cravings. This study will evaluate the subjective and physiological responses to marijuana-related cues versus non marijuana-related cues in marijuana users who have been pre-treated with THC.
Participants will attend three 6-hour sessions, each separated by at least 7 days. Prior to each testing session, participants will spend the night at the Psychiatric and Addiction Research Center at Detroit Receiving Hospital in order to ensure no alcohol or drug use during the 12 hours preceding the session. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive an oral dose of 10 mg of THC, 20 mg of THC, or placebo. They will then undergo a cue exposure test during which they will be shown a nature video and will be asked to handle and smell various items; these will act as neutral, non marijuana-related cues. Next, the participants will watch a video of individuals smoking marijuana and will be asked to handle and smell marijuana-related items; these will act as the marijuana-related cues. Heart rate and skin temperature will be monitored continuously throughout each session with the use of electrodes and a skin thermometer. Prior to and after the cue exposure sessions blood pressure will be measured and questionnaires will be administered to assess drug cravings as well as related mood states. Prior to leaving the clinical center, the participants' vital signs will be evaluated to ensure that any cue-related physiological changes have returned to normal. Following the end of the study session, participants will have the option of talking to a clinician experienced in dealing with drug cravings.
517 studies on the registry are indexed under Marijuana Abuse; 114 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 20 is below the median of 100 across 78 observational studies indexed under Marijuana Abuse.
Browse Marijuana Abuse studies →Wayne State University is the lead sponsor of 226 studies on the registry; 35 are open to participants now.
Of its 17 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 4 (24%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Marijuana dependent volunteers.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive an oral dose of 10 mg of THC, 20 mg of THC, or placebo.
Marijuana craving
Time frame: Measured throughout the cue exposure session
This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2012. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Wayne State University