Sex differences in brain reward response to THC
Sex Differences in Neurobehavioral Response to Acute THC in Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder
This trial will test whether a single oral dose of THC changes reward-related brain signals differently in men and women with cannabis use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT07225777 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 21–45 who meet DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder and use cannabis at least four days per week will take part. Participants complete two counterbalanced sessions receiving 40 mg oral THC and placebo while undergoing multimodal neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure glutamate in the nucleus accumbens and functional MRI to record striatal BOLD responses during monetary reward anticipation. The study compares neurochemical and BOLD responses between male and female participants, with additional controls for menstrual cycle and contraceptive use in females. Exclusion criteria include major psychiatric disorders, recent non-cannabis drug use, current psychotropic medications, pregnancy or nursing, and standard MRI contraindications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 21–45 who meet DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder, use cannabis at least four days per week, test positive for THC on urine screen, have BMI 18–30, and (for females) have regular menstrual cycles and agree to non-hormonal birth control.
Not a fit: People currently seeking treatment for substance use disorder, those with a lifetime psychotic or bipolar disorder, recent non-cannabis drug use, current psychotropic medication, pregnancy, nursing, or MRI contraindications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify sex-specific brain targets for future treatments of cannabis use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Related imaging studies have used THC and multimodal MRI to probe reward systems, but sex-specific neurochemical and BOLD differences remain relatively understudied, making this partially novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 21-45 * DSM-5 criteria for CUD * Cannabis use ≥4 days/week * THC-positive urine * BMI 18-30 * Regular menstrual cycle (females) * Willingness to use non-hormonal birth control (females) Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime psychotic or bipolar disorder * Recent drug use other than cannabis * Current psychotropic medication * Treatment-seeking for SUD * Current psychiatric disorder (except mild alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine use disorder) * Pregnancy/nursing * MRI contraindications
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin Martin, Ph.D. — Medical University of South Carolina
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.