Long-term effects of cannabis smoking on lung health

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

Observational Western University, Canada · NCT03909477

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

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorWestern University, Canada Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03909477 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke cannabis or have significant lung disease unrelated to cannabis use may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

London, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cannabis UseCannabis SmokingMarijuana SmokingMarijuana Usage
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.