High-potency cannabis effects immediately and after a short break
Official title: High Potency Cannabis: Acute and Protracted Effects
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06859723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will try smoked cannabis at about 50 mg and 100 mg THC versus placebo in adults who smoke cannabis nearly every day to see how it affects them right away and after a short period without use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06859723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 21–55 who smoke cannabis nearly every day, are not seeking treatment for their cannabis use, meet BMI and contraceptive requirements, and can complete outpatient procedures are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who do not smoke cannabis regularly, are seeking treatment for cannabis use, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have other substance use disorders (besides nicotine or caffeine), or have severe psychiatric illness are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This outpatient Phase 1 study compares acute pharmacodynamic effects of smoked cannabis containing approximately 50 mg or 100 mg THC to a placebo (~0 mg THC) in people who report near-daily cannabis smoking. Participants will be tested both during their usual use and after a brief enforced abstinence to see if responses change. Blood samples will be taken to measure THC and metabolite levels so researchers can link plasma concentrations to behavioral and physiological effects. The study is conducted at the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids with controlled dosing and monitoring during sessions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify how high-potency smoked cannabis affects behavior and physiology in heavy users and inform safer use guidelines and clinical advice.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pharmacokinetic and acute-effect studies exist for oral THC and lower-potency cannabis, but effects of very high-potency smoked cannabis and short-abstinence changes are less well characterized.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Male or non-pregnant and non-lactating females aged 21-55 years * Report cannabis smoking near daily * Not currently seeking treatment for their cannabis use * Have a Body Mass Index from 18.5 - 34kg/m2. * Able to perform all study procedures * Must be using a contraceptive (hormonal or barrier methods) Exclusion Criteria: * Meeting DSM-V criteria for any substance use disorder other than cannabis, nicotine, caffeine * Do not have positive urine toxicology for cannabis use during screening * Evidence of severe psychiatric illness (e.g. mood or anxiety disorder with functional impairment or suicide risk, schizophrenia) judged by the study physician (and PI) to put the participant at greater risk of experiencing adverse events due to completion of study procedures, interfere with their ability to participate in the study, or their capacity to provide informed consent. * Report using other illicit drugs in the prior 4 weeks * Current predominant licit use of medical cannabis, prescription analgesics, or any medications that may affect study outcomes * Current pain * Pregnancy * Currently enrolled in another research protocol * Not using a contraceptive method (hormonal or barrier methods) * Insensitivity to the cold water stimulus of the Cold Pressor Test * Any disorders that might make cannabis administration hazardous as determined by evaluation physician after review of all medical assessments along with medical history. * Not able to speak and read English
Where it's running
-
UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ziva Cooper, PhD
- Email: cannabislab@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-206-9942
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.