High Potency Cannabis: Acute and Protracted Effects

This study is looking at how smoking different strengths of THC (the main active ingredient in cannabis) affects people. Researchers want to understand the immediate and longer-term effects of low-dose THC and high-dose THC compared to a placebo (a substance with no active drug). They will also see if taking a short break from cannabis changes these effects. The study will measure how much people like the drug and how it affects pain using a cold pressor test. You might be able to join if you are between 21 and 55 years old, smoke cannabis almost every day, and are not currently seeking treatment for your cannabis use. The study aims to enroll 30 participants, but its current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design: This is an interventional study comparing placebo, low-dose THC, and high-dose THC in 30 participants. It is an outpatient study.
What's involved: You would smoke cannabis with different THC levels or a placebo. Researchers will measure drug effects and pain at 3 hours after smoking.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: The primary measurements for drug effects and pain are taken at 3 hours after smoking.

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

High Potency Cannabis: Acute and Protracted Effects

Recruiting

PHASE1Ages 21–55InterventionalBasic science

University of California, Los Angeles

~30 participants

Updated 2025-10-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Placebo Comparator: PlaceboLow dose THCHigh dose THC

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Subject-rated drug effects of abuse liability

Measured over 3 hours

+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Abuse Cannabis

Pain

Pharmacokinetics

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

California1

Who to contact

Ziva Cooper, PhD

[email protected]

310-206-9942

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

• Male or non-pregnant and non-lactating females aged 21-55 years

Report cannabis smoking near daily

Not currently seeking treatment for their cannabis use

Have a Body Mass Index from 18.5 - 34kg/m2.

Able to perform all study procedures

Must be using a contraceptive (hormonal or barrier methods)

Exclusion

Meeting DSM-V criteria for any substance use disorder other than cannabis, nicotine, caffeine

Do not have positive urine toxicology for cannabis use during screening

Evidence of severe psychiatric illness (e.g. mood or anxiety disorder with functional impairment or suicide risk, schizophrenia) judged by the study physician (and PI) to put the participant at greater risk of experiencing adverse events due to completion of study procedures, interfere with their ability to participate in the study, or their capacity to provide informed consent.

Report using other illicit drugs in the prior 4 weeks

Current predominant licit use of medical cannabis, prescription analgesics, or any medications that may affect study outcomes

Current pain

Pregnancy

Currently enrolled in another research protocol

Not using a contraceptive method (hormonal or barrier methods)

Insensitivity to the cold water stimulus of the Cold Pressor Test

Any disorders that might make cannabis administration hazardous as determined by evaluation physician after review of all medical assessments along with medical history.

Not able to speak and read English

What this trial measures

Subject-rated drug effects of abuse liability3 hours
Subject ratings of "Good Drug Effect" as measured using a visual analog scale (1-100 mm)
Analgesia as measured using the Cold Pressor Test3 hours
Pain threshold assessed using the Cold Pressor Test (percent baseline)

Trialytics