THC Testing for Cannabis Impairment (NHTSA-II Trial)

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byGodfrey Pearlson, M.D

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Yale University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This research responds to NHTSA's request with a proposal to increase our understanding of smoked cannabis' (CNB's) acute effects on driving-relevant cognition and simulated driving performance, the persistence of these deficits over the hours after use, and the influence of prior experience with CNB on these effects. This extension study will aim to further investigate marijuana impaired behavior, using a similar design to our previous NHTSA Examine the Feasibility of a Standardized Field Test for Marijuana Impairment and the prior NIDA Neuroscience of Marijuana-Impaired Driving award, that used similar techniques and measures to quantify marijuana impaired automobile driving. We will be utilizing tasks and assessments that were shown to be strong indicators for cognitive and driving impairment in our NHTSA study.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people aged 18-55 with a driver's license and at least 2 years of driving experience. Participants should be English speakers who have used cannabis recently and felt its effects. Excluded are those with adverse reactions to cannabis, low IQ, new users, drug or alcohol use on test day (except THC), pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals unable to understand study instructions, former users abstaining from cannabis, anyone with significant head trauma or medical conditions affecting cognition.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 55 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

My high blood pressure is not under control.

I have had a head injury that made me unconscious for more than 30 minutes or caused a concussion for 30 days.

I do not have conditions like epilepsy that affect my brain function.

I have a history of serious illness, including cancer or neurological issues.

I have had bad reactions to cannabis in the past.

Treatment Details

The study tests the effects of smoked marijuana on tasks related to driving skills and cognitive functions over time after use. It compares medium THC levels against a placebo in participants with prior marijuana experience. The goal is to better understand how recent use impairs behavior relevant to driving.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Placebo MarijuanaExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Placebo Marijuana will be administered.

Group II: Medium THC MarijuanaExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Medium THC marijuana will be administered.