Oral saliva testing to detect recent cannabis use in young adults.
Official title: Oral Fluid Testing to Assess Cannabis Non-Use in Remote Clinical Trials
Run by Boston Children's Hospital · NCT06891235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether at-home saliva tests can detect recent cannabis use in 18-to-30-year-olds who use cannabis at least once a week.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06891235 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 18–30-year-olds who used cannabis at least once per week in the past 30 days, can read and speak English, own a video-capable device, and are available for a 3–4 week virtual protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
People who do not use cannabis regularly, are outside the 18–30 age range, lack a video-capable device or English proficiency, refuse to provide contact information, or have a negative urine THC-COOH result will likely not receive benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This fully virtual study will enroll a community sample of 200 people aged 18–30 who report cannabis use at least once per week. Participants complete three video visits over about 3–4 weeks, provide urine tests, complete Timeline Follow-back interviews, and perform daily at-home, video-recorded oral fluid (saliva) tests. Researchers will compare oral fluid results with urine THC-COOH and self-reported use to see if saliva testing can indicate cannabis use days remotely. Participants must own a device capable of videoconferencing and must have a positive urine THC-COOH result to proceed with oral fluid testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable reliable remote saliva-based detection of recent cannabis use without requiring in-person clinic visits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has used oral fluid to detect THC with mixed sensitivity compared with blood or urine, so the approach has some precedent but is not yet fully validated for remote monitoring.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 35 years * Cannabis use on \>=1x/week in the past 30 days * Ownership of a portable device that is capable of videoconference and videorecording (i.e., smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer) * Ability to read and speak English * Availability for duration of the study (3-4 weeks). * To proceed to oral fluid testing, positive result for urinary TCH-COOH Exclusion Criteria: • Inability/unwillingness to provide contact information Individuals age 18-35 are invited to screen here: https://redcap.link/softa-bch
Where it's running
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lydia A. Shrier, MD, MPH — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Foday Nabbie
- Email: softa@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-355-2525
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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.