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Studying Alcohol and Cannabis Intoxication with EEG

This study aims to understand the differences in how alcohol, cannabis, or both together (co-intoxication) affect your brain and body. Researchers will use electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain activity, along with traditional tests like breath alcohol and balance. You could be eligible if you are between 21 and 50 years old, are a heavy drinker, and regularly use legal-market flower cannabis. Participants will receive either alcohol, cannabis, or both, and researchers will measure brain activity and balance before and after use to see how these substances impact cognitive function. The study is currently recruiting 99 participants, but its status is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized, parallel-group study with a planned enrollment of 99 participants. You would be assigned to one of three groups: alcohol, cannabis, or both.
What's involved
You would complete one study session in a mobile laboratory, where you would use either alcohol, cannabis, or both. Measurements will be taken immediately before substance use, and then 1, 2, and 4 hours after use.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Measurements will be taken up to 4 hours after substance use during the single study session.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06259916

Distinguishing Alcohol Intoxication, Cannabis Intoxication and Co-intoxication Using Electroencephalography (EEG)

Recruiting
NAAges 21–50Interventional
Colorado State University
~99 participants
Updated 2026-08-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:AlcoholCannabis

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Electroencephalography (EEG) Objective Cognitive Function Measures--Amplitude (microvolts)
Measured over Immediately pre-substance use, 1-hour post-use, 2-hours post-use, 4-hours post-use
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Cannabis Use
Alcohol Use, Unspecified

Explore related trials

Alcohol ConsumptionCannabis misuse

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Colorado1

Study leadership

  • Hollis Karoly, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Colorado State University
  • Patricia Davies, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Colorado State University

Who to contact

Hollis C Karoly, PhD
[email protected]
970-491-3677
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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.

What this trial measures

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) Objective Cognitive Function Measures--Amplitude (microvolts)Immediately pre-substance use, 1-hour post-use, 2-hours post-use, 4-hours post-use

    The EEG amplitude (measured in microvolts) will be obtained while participants perform the speeded visual flanker task

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) Objective Cognitive Function Measures--Latency (milliseconds)Immediately pre-substance use, 1-hour post-use, 2-hours post-use, 4-hours post-use

    The EEG latency (measured in milliseconds) will be obtained while participants perform the speeded visual flanker task

  • Standing postural stabilityImmediately pre-substance use, 1-hour post-use, 2-hours post-use, 4-hours post-use

    An iPod Touch will be attached to each participant's hip with a simple elastic/Velcro strap. An app on the device will record fine grained movements while they try to stand as still as possible for 30-60 seconds under four conditions that vary in terms of demand on the proprioceptive system (eyes open, eyes closed), and on a stable vs. soft (foam) surface.