Effects of cannabis on memory performance
Acute Effects of Cannabis on Everyday Life Memory
This study is testing how different amounts of cannabis affect memory in regular users to see if higher doses make it harder to remember things.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 156 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pullman, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT05488509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how cannabis affects different types of memory in individuals who regularly use cannabis. Participants will undergo a drug screening and, if eligible, will wear a wristband to monitor physiological responses while completing memory tests after inhaling either cannabis vapor or a placebo. The study aims to determine if higher doses of THC lead to greater impairments in memory performance compared to lower doses and placebo. The research will help clarify the acute cognitive effects of cannabis use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have used cannabis at least once a week for the past year and are willing to abstain from cannabis on the day of testing.
Not a fit: Patients with serious psychiatric conditions, neurological disorders, or a history of adverse experiences with cannabis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how cannabis affects memory, potentially guiding safer usage and informing public health policies.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cannabis and cognition, this specific focus on acute memory effects with varying THC doses is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have used cannabis at least once a week for at least one year * Willing to abstain from using any cannabis on the day of their scheduled testing session (minimum of 8 hours of abstinence) Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of a serious psychiatric condition (psychosis, bipolar I, panic disorder) * Family history of psychosis * Diagnosis of a neurological disorder * Diagnosis of a chronic medical condition (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) * Diagnosis of a learning disability * History of multiple concussions * History of head injury that may impact cognition * Being pregnant * Lactating * History of adverse experiences with cannabis (anxiety, panic attacks) * Use of illicit drugs in the past 6 months * Heavy alcohol use (\>4 drinks, \>4 times/week) * Smoking/nicotine use * BMI greater than 34
Where this trial is running
Pullman, Washington
- Washington State University — Pullman, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan McLaughlin, PhD — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Ryan McLaughlin, PhD
- Email: ryan.mclaughlin@wsu.edu
- Phone: 509-335-6448
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.