Pilot fMRI Studies of Aging-Related Effects of THC
Yale University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to begin investigating acute impairment of various forms of memory and learning by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis (CNB) compared to placebo, in a 2-session per subject double-blind, random assignment, placebo-controlled counterbalanced design in young to middle-aged adults.
Description
Tasks tapping each of the major cognitive memory-related domains will be performed in the MRI scanner, to reveal the relevant underlying circuitry and its disruption by drug using functional MRI. On an initial Screening Visit, regular or novice cannabis (CNB) users will undergo informed consent, clinical assessment (to fully evaluate inclusion/exclusion criteria), cognitive/personality assessment, and a structural MRI scan. At each assessment, subjects will provide subjectively-rated CNB intoxication using a verbal analog scale, complete 2 fMRI paradigms within \~1.5 hours: a) Card Guessing…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * CNB use within past 2 years and felt "high" when used. * Able to read, speak, and understand English. * Able and willing to provide written informed consent, and willing to commit to the study protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Current marijuana tolerance, desire to cut down, or cravings to use during periods of abstinence. * Positive screen for drug or alcohol (except CNB) on test day will result in rescheduling the appointment * History of adverse effects with CNB * CNB users who are abstaining * IQ \<80 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence * Inability to c…
Interventions
- DrugTHC
Participants will be administered 0.5g of vaporized THC cannabis (12% THC cannabis)
- DrugPlacebo
Participants will be administered identical plant material from which all THC has been removed by solvent extraction.
Location
- Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Center at Hartford HealthcareHartford, Connecticut