Investigating how cannabis helps relieve pain
Brain Mechanisms Supporting Cannabis-induced Pain Relief
This study is testing how vaporized cannabis helps relieve pain by looking at how it affects the brain while participants feel controlled heat.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (La Jolla, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04982965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to explore the brain mechanisms involved in pain relief from vaporized cannabis. Participants will undergo two sessions where they will self-administer a medium dose of cannabis or a placebo while experiencing controlled heat stimulation. The study will utilize behavioral assessments and advanced fMRI techniques to measure cerebral blood flow and pain response. By understanding the neural pathways activated by cannabis, the research seeks to validate its efficacy as a pain management therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-65 with prior experience using cannabis, who are currently cannabis-free for at least 30 days and do not have a history of certain psychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with ongoing medical conditions such as cardiac or pulmonary diseases, or those currently using opioids, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective cannabis-based therapies for managing acute pain.
How similar studies have performed: While cannabis has been studied for pain relief, this specific investigation into its neural mechanisms is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * are between 21-65 years old * Volunteers with no previous medical history (e.g., cardiac or pulmonary disease); * are not currently using any type of cannabis * have had a previous history with cannabis * currently 30 days cannabis free * are not taking opioids * if female and of a child bearing potential age, are not pregnant or nursing mothers; * do not lack sensory/motor deficits that preclude participation in pain-inducing procedures * do not have a lifetime history of dependence on cannabis * do not have a lifetime history of DSM-IV schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety or panic disorder, or previous psychosis with or intolerance to cannabinoids * Prior THC-containing cannabis experience within the past two years * Agrees not to use cannabis outside of the study during participation in the study * Agrees not to use opioids or barbiturates during participation in the study * Agrees not to drive a motor vehicle within 4 hours following last use of inhaled cannabis during participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Current or past history of cannabis, alcohol or opioid abuse * Active pulmonary disease * Allergy or past adverse effects or negative past experiences from cannabis * Positive urine drug test for THC, barbiturates, opioids, oxycodone, or methadone prior to study session 1 * Pregnancy * Breastfeeding * Prisoner * Known cognitive impairment * Institutionalized * Claustrorphobia * MRI contraindications
Where this trial is running
La Jolla, California and 1 other locations
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute — La Jolla, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of California, San Diego — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
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.