Understanding cannabis effects on adolescents' brain chemistry
Characterization of Endocannabinoid and Endogenous Opioid Levels in Adolescents
This study is testing how cannabis use affects the brain chemistry of teenagers to see if it can help understand why some teens struggle to stay sober while others don’t.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT05396638 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates how cannabis use affects the endocannabinoid and endogenous opioid systems in adolescents. It aims to measure the levels of these substances in the blood of regular cannabis users compared to non-users. The study will also track changes in these levels during periods of abstinence and after resuming cannabis use, while assessing cannabis cravings and their association with biochemical changes. The goal is to identify biomarkers that could help differentiate between adolescents who relapse and those who maintain sobriety.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 14 to 25 who use cannabis at least twice a week.
Not a fit: Patients with current psychosis, severe intellectual deficiencies, or those using other illicit drugs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for adolescents struggling with cannabis use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While this study addresses a specific gap in knowledge, similar studies have shown promise in understanding substance use disorders through biochemical markers.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 14 to 25 years of age. 2. Use cannabis at least twice a week for the past month. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Refusal of valid written consent, 2. Current psychosis, 3. Obvious intoxication, 4. Current risk of suicide, 5. Violence sufficiently great to interfere with evaluation or to endanger evaluators, 6. Obvious intellectual deficiency as noted during the informed consent process, or inability of patient or family to comply with the study protocol. 7. Use of other illicit drugs in the past 90 days by self-report or detected by urine drug test. 8. Use of opioid medications for medical or recreational purposes currently or within the past 90 days. 9. Does not have access to an Internet connected devise or cannot use Zoom.
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jesse Hinckley, MD, PhD
- Email: jesse.hinckley@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-3090
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.