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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Western University, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | August 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03909477 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
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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.