Effects of Different Cannabis Strains on Memory and Brain Function in Adults Aged 21 to 40

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different cannabis strains, specifically those containing varying amounts of THC and CBD, affect recognition memory and brain activity in healthy, regular cannabis users aged 21 to 40. This study explores the distinct impacts of these cannabinoids on episodic memory, using commercially available cannabis flower strains, including a THC-dominant strain and a THC-CBD combination. It aims to understand how these compounds influence memory processes and brain waves measured through event-related potentials ERPs. Participants self-administer one of the two cannabis strains before completing a recognition memory task on two separate days once while intoxicated and once when not intoxicated. Blood samples are collected to measure THC and CBD levels, and genetic analyses are conducted to examine variations related to cannabinoid metabolism and cognitive function. Alongside memory testing, participants complete questionnaires about medical history, sleep quality, cognitive function, physical activity, psychological health, substance use, and drug effects. During the study, participants undergo EEG monitoring while performing memory tasks to record brain activity differences between intoxicated and non-intoxicated states. Researchers assess changes in memory accuracy and ERP amplitudes along with secondary outcomes such as mood, craving, paranoia, and circulating cannabinoid concentrations. The study spans approximately three weeks covering all sessions, with continuous monitoring of substance use to account for confounding factors.

Cannabis Observations on Brain Waves, Retrieval, and Attention: Experiment 4