Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 21 to 40

Effects of THC on alcohol consumption and brain reward mechanisms

Official title: Effects of THC on Alcohol Consumption and Neural Correlates of Reward

Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT06446479 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how taking a high dose of THC affects alcohol drinking and brain reward responses in people who use both substances.

More Cannabis Use Disorder trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
Enrollment28 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2024
Main results expectedJune 30, 2026
Study endsJune 30, 2026
Registry record updatedAugust 19, 2024
Trial IDNCT06446479 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals who consume alcohol and use cannabis.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have contraindications for MRI or do not consume alcohol or cannabis may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates how high doses of THC (20mg dronabinol) influence alcohol consumption and the neural correlates of reward in individuals who use both substances. Participants will undergo a screening assessment followed by two laboratory visits, where they will receive either THC or a placebo before engaging in alcohol consumption while undergoing MRI scans. The goal is to better understand the interaction between THC and alcohol and its effects on reward processing in the brain.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how THC affects alcohol consumption, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for cannabis use disorder.

How similar studies have gone: While the interaction between THC and alcohol has been explored, this specific approach of using high doses of THC in a controlled laboratory setting is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Drink alcohol
* Use cannabis
* Contact site for additional details

Exclusion Criteria:

* MRI contraindications (implanted metal, weight \> 315 lb, etc.).
* Contact site for additional details

Where it's running

  • University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
    Aurora, Colorado, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.