Understanding how people use high-potency cannabis concentrates
Official title: THC titration of high-potency cannabis concentrates: A randomized crossover trial
Funded at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · NIH-11131146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how regular cannabis users adjust their dose when using strong cannabis concentrates and what effects these products have on their body and mind.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $151,597 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA061350-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are regular cannabis consumers, specifically 18 females and 18 males, who are willing to participate in a controlled study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are not regular consumers of high-potency concentrates would not directly benefit from participating in this specific study.
What this research studies
We want to learn if people naturally use less of a cannabis concentrate when it's very strong, or if they still end up taking in more THC. We will ask regular cannabis users to try different strengths of cannabis concentrates (30%, 60%, and 90% THC) in a controlled setting. We'll then observe how they adjust their use and measure the effects on their feelings, thinking, body functions, and how much THC is in their system. This helps us understand the real-world impact of these products.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help inform public health guidelines and regulations for high-potency cannabis products, potentially reducing risks like cannabis use disorder or impaired cognition.
How similar studies have gone: Limited evidence suggests that while consumers may use less cannabis as potency rises, they still consume greater amounts of THC, making this a crucial area for further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rueda, Sergio — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Rueda, Sergio
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.