Sex Differences in Neurobehavioral Response to THC in Cannabis Use Disorder

This study is looking at how men and women with cannabis use disorder (CUD) respond differently to THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis. You might be able to join if you are 21-45 years old, have CUD, and use cannabis at least four days a week. The study will test oral dronabinol capsules (a form of THC) against a placebo (an inactive pill). Researchers will measure brain chemicals (glutamate) and brain activity related to reward anticipation to see if there are differences between sexes after taking dronabinol. The goal is to understand how THC affects the brain's reward system in people with CUD, and if these effects differ between men and women. The study is currently recruiting participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 40 planned participants. It compares the effects of dronabinol to a placebo.
What's involved
You will complete two study sessions where you receive either dronabinol or a placebo. During these sessions, you will undergo brain imaging tests.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Brain chemical levels are measured at 2 hours post-dose, and brain activity is measured at 3 hours post-dose.

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

NCT07225777

Sex Differences in Neurobehavioral Response to THC

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 21–45InterventionalBasic science
Medical University of South Carolina
~40 participants
Updated 2026-05-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:DronabinolPlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Nucleus accumbens glutamate
Measured over 2 hours post-dose
+1 more outcome measured
Cannabis Use Disorder
1 sites across 1 states
South Carolina1
  • Erin Martin, Ph.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Medical University of South Carolina

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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
  • Nucleus accumbens glutamate2 hours post-dose

    Concentrations of nucleus accumbens glutamate measured via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy

  • Striatal reward anticipation3 hours post-dose

    Blood oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signaling in the striatum (caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens) measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a monetary reward task