Effects of THC on Alcohol Consumption and Neural Correlates of Reward
University of Colorado, Denver
Summary
Alcohol and cannabis are often used together such that their effects overlap, but little is known about the neural mechanisms that underlie simultaneous use. High doses of THC have not been well-studied in the laboratory, and it is unclear how high doses of THC may impact alcohol consumption patterns. The proposed study will explore the effects of oral THC (20mg dronabinol) vs. placebo on neural reward, alcohol self-administration and naturalistic co-use patterns.
Description
Participants will undergo a screening assessment, baseline session and two laboratory visits. The laboratory visits will involve an MRI scan and the opportunity to consume alcohol in our BAR lab. Prior to the MRI, participants will consume, a placebo (0mg) or high (20mg) dose of oral THC (dronabinol). Visits will be separated by 7 to 14 days. Dronabinol is an FDA-approved product that will be dispensed by our on-campus pharmacy
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Drink alcohol * Use cannabis * Contact site for additional details Exclusion Criteria: * MRI contraindications (implanted metal, weight \> 315 lb, etc.). * Contact site for additional details
Interventions
- DrugDronabinol Pill
Dronabinol 20 mg
- DrugPlacebo
placebo
Location
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, Colorado