Cannabis for Memory Effects

Overseen by Carrie Cuttler

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Recruiting

Sponsor: Washington State University

Prior Safety Data

Approved in 4 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will examine the acute effects of cannabis on various aspects of memory. Eligible participants will complete a drug screen. Participants who pass the drug screen will be asked to wear an Empatica E4 wristband for the duration of the study. Participants will provide a saliva sample from which cortisol will be extracted. They will then complete baseline measures of cannabis consumption patterns, level of intoxication, mood, anxiety, stress, and verbal intelligence. Next, participants will be randomly assigned to inhale vapor from cannabis containing 20mg THC, 40mg THC, or placebo; both cannabis and placebo will be obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Participants will then will complete a battery of memory tests including tests of prospective, verbal, visuospatial, source, verbal working, visuospatial working, false, and temporal order memory. Memory tests will be completed across two blocks in a counterbalanced order. Saliva samples will be obtained two additional times after drug/placebo administration. Ratings of intoxication, mood, anxiety, and stress will be obtained three additional times after drug/placebo administration. The investigators hypothesize that participants who are randomly assigned to inhale cannabis vapor will perform worse on all memory tests than participants who inhale the placebo.

Research Team

Ryan McLaughlin, PhD

Principal Investigator

Washington State University

Carrie Cuttler

Principal Investigator

Washington State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have used cannabis at least once a week for over a year and are willing to abstain from using it on the day of testing. Participants will be screened for drug use, wear an Empatica E4 wristband, and provide saliva samples.

Inclusion Criteria

You agree not to use any cannabis for at least 8 hours before the testing session.

You have used cannabis once a week for a year or more.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cannabis (Cannabinoid)
• Placebo (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests how different amounts of THC in cannabis (20mg or 40mg) versus placebo affect memory functions. Participants will undergo various memory tests after inhaling vaporized cannabis or placebo provided by NIDA.

Participant Groups

Group I: 40mg THC Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will inhale vapor from .34 grams of cannabis containing 11.86% THC (40mg THC total).

Group II: 20mg THC Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will inhale vapor from .17 grams of cannabis containing 11.86% THC (20mg THC total).

Group III: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will inhale vapor from a placebo product.

Cannabis is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Cannabis for:

• Chronic pain
• Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
• Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Washington State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

114

Recruited

58,800+

Dr. Mangiardi

Washington State University

Chief Executive Officer

PhD in Biochemistry from Washington State University

Dr. Cindy Jacobs

Washington State University

Chief Medical Officer since 2017

PhD in Veterinary Pathology/Microbiology from Washington State University, MD from University of Washington Medical School