Understanding the effects of alcohol and cannabis intoxication using EEG
Official title: Developing Predictive Models to Distinguish Alcohol Use, Cannabis Use and Co-use: An Exploration of Electroencephalography (EEG) Metrics and Traditional Intoxication Measures
Run by Colorado State University · NCT06259916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how alcohol and cannabis, alone or together, affect brain activity and behavior in heavy drinkers and regular cannabis users aged 21-50.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 99 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Colorado State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Collins, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06259916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are heavy drinkers aged 21-50 who regularly use legal-market cannabis and have experience with simultaneous use of both substances.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are daily tobacco users, have a history of substance use disorders, or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding 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 study investigates the differences between intoxication from cannabis, alcohol, and their combination by utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) alongside traditional measures like breath alcohol concentration and balance metrics. Participants aged 21-50 who are heavy drinkers and regular cannabis users will be randomized to consume either substance or both in a controlled mobile laboratory setting. The goal is to better understand how these substances affect brain activity and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of substance intoxication, leading to improved safety measures and treatment approaches for individuals using alcohol and cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on substance intoxication exist, this specific approach using EEG to differentiate between alcohol and cannabis intoxication is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 21-50 years old * Heavy drinkers (consuming more than 4 drinks/day or more than 14 drinks/week for men, or more than 3 drinks/day or more than 7 drinks/week for women) * Regular users of legal-market flower cannabis (at least 2x/week in past 3 months) * report simultaneously using alcohol and legal-market flower cannabis at least once per month in the past 3 months * English speakers. Exclusion Criteria: * Daily tobacco users * Diagnosed with or seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) or other substance use disorder (SUD) * Females cannot be pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant * Meet criteria for psychotic, bipolar or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, or history of these disorders, 5) Current use of psychotropic (except anti-depressants) * Report illicit drug use in past 60-days or fail drug screen on the day of the study appointment * Major medical condition contraindicating alcohol and/or cannabis consumption.
Where it's running
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Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hollis Karoly, PhD — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Hollis C Karoly, PhD
- Email: hollis.karoly@colostate.edu
- Phone: 970-491-3677
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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.