Actively Recruiting
Cannabinoids and Biological Reactivity to Stress in Cannabis Use Disorder
Led by Florida State University · Updated on 2025-09-16
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
F
Florida State University
Lead Sponsor
W
Wayne State University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how different types of stress affect motivation to use cannabis in people with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The study focuses on understanding how stress influences the body's natural cannabinoids and cannabis use motivation by testing two drugs that produce temporary stress-like symptoms. This early phase 1 trial aims to explore the biological mechanisms linking stress and cannabis use to help develop new treatment approaches for CUD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of four drug combinations involving hydrocortisone (20mg), yohimbine hydrochloride (54mg), or placebos in a double-blind crossover design. Each participant will visit the lab four times over about 10 to 22 days. During these visits, they will take one of the drug combinations, complete interviews, questionnaires, computerized tasks, have their brain activity monitored with an EEG cap, and provide blood samples. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed for their neurophysiological responses to cannabis cues and their cannabis use motivation, including measures like demand intensity and monetary expenditure on cannabis. These outcomes are measured at each of the four lab visits. Safety and health will be monitored with physical exams, EKGs, and blood tests. The overall participation period spans multiple visits over a few weeks, with careful monitoring of brain activity, blood samples, and behavioral responses to understand stress effects on cannabis use motivation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cannabinoids and Biological Reactivity to Stress
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Meets criteria for current, moderate to severe Cannabis Use Disorder as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 during screening
- Engages in near-daily or daily cannabis use
- Provides a urine sample positive for THC
- Is in generally good health as confirmed by physical exam, EKG, and blood tests
- Is adequately informed of study risks and provides written informed consent
- Can read and write in English
You will not qualify if you...
- History of serious psychiatric problems such as psychosis or Bipolar Disorder I, or a current Major Depressive Episode
- Reports current suicidal thoughts
- Has any other moderate to severe substance use disorder besides Cannabis Use Disorder or Tobacco Use Disorder
- Tests positive for drugs other than THC at screening or during lab visits
- Has structural brain abnormalities, stroke, seizures, infectious disease, neurological diseases, or history of head trauma with unconsciousness
- History of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, chest pain on exertion, palpitations, edema, or uncontrolled hypertension
- Systolic blood pressure outside 80-140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure outside 50-90 mmHg
- History of lung or respiratory conditions like cor pulmonale, uncontrolled COPD, or asthma
- Currently taking daily psychotropic medications or specific cardiovascular medications like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, beta-blockers, anti-arrhythmic drugs, or anti-platelet medications
- Pregnant or not using medically approved birth control if capable of pregnancy
- Currently seeking or engaging in treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder or other substance use
- Intends to quit cannabis use imminently
- Has a blood-injection-injury phobia as measured by a medical fear survey score above 15 on the injection and blood draw subscale
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 10 to 22 days
Participants receive single oral doses of hydrocortisone, yohimbine, placebo, or combinations in a randomized crossover design to test effects on cannabis cue reactivity and drug use motivation.
4 lab visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The BRAINS Lab at Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, United States, 32306-4301
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mallory Cannon, MS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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