Cannabis Effects on Recognition Memory and Brain Waves in Regular Users

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study examines how self-administered cannabis strains influence recognition memory and related brain activity measured by EEG in healthy, regular users. Participants perform an episodic recognition task after consuming a THC-dominant strain or a THC+CBD strain, both when intoxicated and when sober. ERPs are recorded during the task to explore memory processes, and blood samples quantify THC/CBD exposure along with genetic factors related to cannabinoid metabolism and behavior. The study collects health history, sleep, subjective cognition, activity, and drug-use data to contextualize effects. Behavioral and neurophysiological data will be analyzed to understand how cannabinoids modulate memory and associated brain signals.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

1. Must be between the ages of 21 and 40 and provide informed consent;
2. Must be right-handed (Laterality Quotient \> 60 on Edinburgh Handedness Inventory - Short Form136);
3. Heavy users (HU) in Experiments 1, 2, 3, and 4:

   1. Must use cannabis at least 4 days during the month;
   2. Must be a cannabis user for at least a year;
4. Non-users (NU) in Experiment 2:

   1. Must not have used cannabis for prior 6 months;
   2. Must have at least one episode of lifetime cannabis use;
5. Must self-report not using other illicit recreational drugs (e.g., cocaine, benzodiazepines (non-prescription), opiates (non-prescription), MDMA, sedatives, or methamphetamine) in the past 30 days, during the Pre-Screening;
6. Must not test positive on a urine toxicology test for drugs of abuse at the Baseline Appointment (TDS);
7. Must not be using psychotropic medications, however anti-depressant, non-benzodiazepine anti-anxiety, and ADHD medications are ok. ADHD medication users must be willing to abstain from ADHD medication use on appointment days; ADHD medications, even extended-release forms, are short acting and medication" holidays" (e.g., on weekends and holidays) are routine in individuals prescribed ADHD medications, without adverse effects.
8. Must not be a regular nicotine user (≤4 days per week; cigarette, E-cigs, or smokeless);
9. Must not have used caffeine or nicotine (cigarette, E-cigs, or smokeless) for 4 hours;
10. Must have a breath alcohol level of 0 at screening (to sign consent form);
11. Must not be actively seeking or in treatment for any substance use disorder (drug use levels will be carefully monitored via Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) throughout the study to assess any confounding influences of drug or alcohol use;
12. Female subjects must not be or trying to become pregnant (as indicated by a pregnancy test \& screening form administered at Baseline);
13. Must not be in treatment for psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder; or have a history with these disorders;
14. Must not have any physical characteristics (e.g., thick hair, head size exceeding the limit of the net, dyed hair) or experience any technical difficulties during testing that result in a poor-quality EEG recording.
15. Participants in Experiment 4 a. Must not have participated in Experiment 3

Where it's running

• Center for Innovation and Creativity (CINC)
  Boulder, Colorado, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Timothy Curran, Ph.D. — University of Colorado, Boulder
• Study coordinator: Katie N Paulich, Ph.D.
• Email: cobra.custudy@gmail.com
• Phone: 303-492-9549

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.