Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 85

Long-term effects of cannabis smoking on lung health

Official title: Longitudinal Study of Xenon-129 MRI Imaging of Effects of Cannabis Smoking on Lung Structure and Function

Run by Western University, Canada · NCT03909477 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see how smoking cannabis over a long time affects lung health in people aged 18 to 85.

More Cannabis Use trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorWestern University, Canada
Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 1, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2030
Study endsDecember 1, 2030
Registry record updatedAugust 15, 2025
Trial IDNCT03909477 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 who are current or former cannabis smokers.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not smoke cannabis or have significant lung disease unrelated to cannabis use 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 longitudinal study investigates the long-term health impacts of cannabis smoking on the lungs over a period of three years. Participants aged 18 to 85 with a history of cannabis smoking will undergo various assessments, including hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI, pulmonary function tests, and questionnaires. The study aims to measure changes in lung function and health through regular visits and advanced imaging techniques. Data collected will help understand the effects of cannabis on lung health and inform future health guidelines.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of cannabis smoking on lung health, potentially guiding treatment and prevention strategies.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on the effects of tobacco smoking on lung health, this specific approach using xenon-129 MRI for cannabis smoking is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient understands study procedures and is willing to participate in the study as indicated by the patient's signature
* Provision of written, informed consent prior to any study specific procedures
* Males and females aged 18-85
* Current or former cannabis smoker (medicinal or recreational) with or without concurrent tobacco smoking history
* Participant is able to perform reproducible pulmonary function testing (i.e. the 3 best acceptable spirograms have Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) values that do not vary more than 150 millilitres)
* Participant is able to perform a breathhold for 16s
* FEV1 \> 25% predicted
* Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) \> 25% predicted and \>0.5 litres

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant is, in the opinion of the investigator, mentally or legally incapacitated, preventing informed consent from being obtained, or cannot read or understand written material
* Participant is medically unstable in the opinion of the Principal Investigator
* Participant has a daytime room air oxygen saturation \<90% while lying supine
* Participant is unable to perform spirometry or plethysmography maneuvers
* Patient is pregnant at time of enrolment
* In the opinion of the investigator, patient suffers from any physical, psychological or other condition(s) that might prevent performance of the MRI, such as severe claustrophobia
* Patient has implanted mechanically, electrically or magnetically activated device or any metal in their body, which cannot be removed, including but not limited to pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, implanted insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, bioprosthesis, artificial limb, metallic fragment or foreign body, shunt, surgical staples (including clips or metallic sutures and/or ear implants) - at the discretion of the MRI Technologist.

Where it's running

  • Robarts Research Institute; The University of Western Ontario; London Health Sciences Centre
    London, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Grace E Parraga, PhD — Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario
  • Study coordinator: Grace E Parraga, PhD
  • Email: gparraga@uwo.ca
  • Phone: 519-931-5265

Similar studies

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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.
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.